Monty cooks up a treat in Turkey

Here’s ample evidence that Colin Montgomerie was in top cooking form at the weekend at The Montgomerie Maxx Royal where the host course designer welcomed guests to his on course villa on the eve of the final round of the inaugural Turkish Airlines Open.

Monty played the perfect host and was dressed in full Maxx Royal chef clothing as he took his place behind the grill.

“To be able to welcome everyone tonight is a great thrill,” commented the eight-time European Tour Order of Merit Winner. “Whilst the event is taking place on a course I designed with the team from EGD (European Golf Design), I thought it would be fun to invite everyone over to my place for a barbecue to celebrate what has been a very enjoyable week.

“It has been great to see the course challenge the players. The rain earlier in the week softened the greens and we have seen some very low scoring as a result. Seeing lots of birdies is exciting through, and Ben Lovett and his team have done a wonderful job and to prepare the course in such incredible condition; I can’t compliment them enough.”

Guests included dignitaries from some of the event sponsors, including Turkish Airlines, The Ministry of Culture and Tourism for Turkey, the European Tour and the world’s media. Host for the evening Monty was was joined by Maxx Royal owner, Memet Ersoy.

“This week will live long in our memories and to have such a strong leaderboard heading into tomorrow is testament to the appeal of hosting a European Tour event,” commented Ersoy. “Colin has been very kind to host us this evening and has been very sporting in his culinary efforts. He has designed an iconic golf course for Turkey and he is always welcome here at the Maxx Royal.”

The event itself produced a shock winner in unknown Frenchman Victor Dubuisson (pictured) who held off a star-studded field, including Tiger Woods, Justin Rose and Ian Poulter, to emerge a two-shots victor over Jamie Donaldson.

*For more information visit: www.montgomeriemaxxroyal.com