Monty Matchplay Memory: Wet behind the ears

By Colin Mongomerie

08 July 2010 16:43

EVENT: The 1984 Amateur Championship at Formby.

RESULT: Finished runner-up to José Maria Olazábal.

THE STORY: Two titans of subsequent Ryder Cups met as amateurs in 1984, where the Spaniard got the better of the Scot 5&4 at Formby. While Monty displayed the sort of controlled golf that would propel him to eight European Order of Merit titles, the Spaniard got up-and-down from everywhere and holed outrageous chip shots to get the better of his opponent. Despite losing, Monty still has fond memories of the experience. He says: “It was the first time that I was really regarded on a British stage as a leading player in the amateur game and, not surprisingly, I enjoyed the occasion. I found that I enjoyed the competitive nature of the game at that highest level of matchplay, though the final was a bit one-sided!”

MONTY’S MATCHPLAY TIP: He was 18, I was 20, and I’d never heard of him. I’d just got back from college in America, where I’d been playing every day and, to be honest, I rather fancied my chances. So matchplay tip number one – don’t get ahead of yourself. If I was failing in one thing at that age, it was thinking that I was going to win before I’d actually got the job done. I remember before losing this game that I’d been thinking to myself how wonderful it’ll be to play at Augusta next year! So the lesson is, don’t think of winning speeches halfway round because then you’ll never make one. Think one shot at a time and always respect your opponent.