Golfer Monty and wife split, but deny rumours

DISMISSING reports that his wife Eimear is involved with actor Hugh Grant, golfer Colin Montgomerie announced yesterday the couple are to separate after 14 years, with a view to divorce.

The couple met for crisis talks about their marriage after the Scot pulled out of a tournament this week.

In a joint statement, the couple said: "We have sadly decided to separate, with a view to divorce. This has been a desperately difficult decision for us both.

"We particularly wish to protect our three children. We dismiss current media speculation."

Reports have suggested 34-year-old Eimear had grown close to actor Hugh Grant, a family friend.

On Tuesday night Montgomerie, 40, rushed from Hong Kong, where he was to play in the China Masters, for talks at their home in Surrey.

The golfer's spokesman Guy Kinnings would not confirm if Montgomerie had left the family home or discuss the reasons for the split. He said: "There will be no further statements."

Eimear, who is also Scottish, was reported to have banned her husband from their home earlier this week after the couple rowed in public at the US Masters in Augusta.

The golfer was seen arguing with his wife before storming away from her. She is understood to have flown back to Britain from the tournament alone.

Four Weddings And A Funeral star Grant, 43, is rumoured to have offered her support during strains in her relationship, but his friends have denied a relationship between the pair.

The couple parted briefly in 2001. They have two daughters, Olivia and Venetia, and a son, Cameron.

Montgomerie has won an estimated €37m, but has failed to win any of golf's four majors.