Golf
Colin Montgomerie slams U.S. ‘drinking culture’ ahead of 2025 Ryder Cup
Colin Montgomerie’s controversial comments haven’t stopped.
After the Scottish golfer questioned why Tiger Woods had not yet retired last week, the 61-year-old is now expressing doubts about the 2025 Ryder Cup, set for September of next year.
More than a full year out from competition at Bethpage Black Course at Farmingdale, N.Y., Montgomerie seems to think that the Europeans will be at an innate disadvantage playing in the U.S.
“God almighty!” Montgomerie told The Times. “We desperately need an away win in the Ryder Cup, but I don’t think it’s going to happen in New York. I don’t think we will be allowed to win there. Someone will come on and steal a golf ball or something. It’s a drinking culture in America.”
The World Golf Hall of Famer last competed in the 2010 Ryder Cup, captaining the European Team to a narrow 14 1/2/-13 ½ victory over Team USA.
Although he never finished above second in a major championship, Montgomerie has garnered Ryder Cup acclaim.
Montgomerie was part of the European team during eight Ryder Cups and has totaled 23.5 total points, just two behind all-time leader Sergio Garcia.
Most recently, Montgomerie tied for 44th by finishing six over par at the Bridgestone Senior Players Championship.
The 2025 Cup was previously in the news earlier in July after Keegan Bradley was announced as the U.S.’ captain instead of Tiger Woods.
Backed by Dustin Johnson and Collin Morikawa, the Americans claimed the 2021 Ryder Cup trophy in landslide fashion from Whistling Straits, Wisc.
Interestingly enough, Team USA has taken home every trophy played on American soil since 2012, when the Europeans marked a second straight win at Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Ill.
If Team Europe were to defy Montgomerie’s expectations and win the 2025 Ryder Cup, it would prove to be the first winning streak for either side since 2015.