Monty proud of Dublin course

A proud moment arrives for Colin Montgomerie on Thursday when, for the first time, a course he designed hosts a European tour event.

The Nissan Irish Open is being staged at Carton House near Dublin, which opened only in August 2003 and which Montgomerie admits “can be scary in some weather conditions.” With pot bunkers and a links-style lay-out the course set looks to be a stern test even for the cream of European golf.

“I’ve 155 potential critics, but it has been ranked the number one new course in Europe, never mind just Great Britain and Ireland, so double bogeys aren’t my fault,” said the 41-year-old Scot.

“It measures 7,400 yards off the back tees, but we won’t be off the back. I’ve been consulted about the set-up and we’re going to have to be very careful about the tee and pin positions.

“It’s one of the best courses I’ve ever played – and it’s got my name attached to it, so this is a very proud moment for me and it’s a perfect reward for my whole team, who have worked tirelessly to create such a fabulous test.

“It perfectly matches my aims of designing a unique championship inland links. I’m so flattered it’s been chosen to host this event and it’s come very quickly.” Montgomerie admits that whenever he designs a course – he has a dozen in play around the world now and another 10 at various stages of either contract or construction – he has his own game in mind.

“I think it’s inevitable that you tend to think that way,” he added. And, of course, he hopes that helps him get onto the leaderboard and stay there.

Last week at the Forest of Arden the Ryder Cup star was joint leader after 17 holes, but then had a triple bogey and eventually finished joint 24th, not high enough to take him back into the world’s top 50.

He needs to be there after next week’s BMW Championship at Wentworth if he is to avoid the qualifying tournament for the US Open.