Colin Montgomerie never really caught on with American fans, and that feeling seemed to be mutual among players too.
Despite his strong record in Europe, where he won the Order of Merit eight times, Montgomerie never won a major title or an event in the United States during his prime years. His career achievements were mostly built outside of America, and he only found regular success on US soil after joining the senior circuit.
The 62-year-old did find some success on the Champions Tour after turning 50, but he still never managed to win a major or a tournament in the United States during his main career.
Even so, Montgomerie was added to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2013, entering alongside Fred Couples. The decision raised some eyebrows at the time. Still, Gary Player stood firmly behind it.
“I think they’re very deserving,” Player said. “Colin led the European Tour money list eight times. Will we ever see that again? And Freddie is a very fine representative of golf in addition to being a terrific player.”
“There are guys in the Hall of Fame who didn’t win majors,” he added. “Chi Chi [Rodriguez] didn’t win a major. [Isao] Aoki didn’t win a major. Is that the criteria now, that you have to have won a major? I’m very happy to see both of those guys go in. They really deserve it.”
But not everyone agreed with Player’s view.
Fred Funk once described Colin Montgomerie as ‘the biggest jerk in the world’
Back in 1997, PGA Tour player Fred Funk didn’t hide how he felt about Montgomerie. “He’s the jerk in the world as far as I’m concerned, and you can write that down because when I see him I’ll tell him to his face.”
Funk had already made his feelings known on Monty ahead of the Ryder Cup at Valderrama.
Europe had just turned the tables on the United States after winning the 1995 Ryder Cup at Oak Hill Country Club in dramatic fashion.
The Europeans were determined to hold onto the trophy, and mind games started early. Funk made it clear where he stood by making these comments about Monty:
What Colin Montgomerie said that angered Funk so badly
Funk had every right to be angry with Montgomerie in 1997. Monty’s comments came before the Ryder Cup at Valderrama, and he sparked controversy when he made a remark about Brad Faxon.
He’s going through a divorce. Mentally, I don’t think he’ll be with it.” It was a bit below the belt from Monty, bringing up such a personal issue in the build-up to a major event.
And Funk wasn’t alone in his frustration. Other players on the American side also took exception to what was said.
He said: “I always knew Montgomerie was a cry-baby. I respect his skills but when he starts with low blows, that’s poor.”
The reaction from across the Atlantic showed how much those words hit home. They didn’t just add fuel to an already fiery contest but also put more pressure on an American side looking to bounce back from their loss two years earlier at Oak Hill Country Club.
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