Monty hosts BBQ on eve of Turkish Airlines Open final round

Saturday evening at The Montgomerie Maxx Royal saw Colin Montgomerie, the host course designer, welcome guests to his on-course villa on the eve of the final round of the inaugural Turkish Airlines Open

Colin Montgomerie

Monty hosts BBQ on eve of Turkish Airlines Open final round

Saturday evening at The Montgomerie Maxx Royal saw Colin Montgomerie, the host course designer, welcome guests to his on-course villa on the eve of the final round of the inaugural Turkish Airlines Open.   "To be able to welcome everyone tonight on the eve of what will be a historic Sunday in Turkey is a great thrill," said Colin Montgomerie, eight-time European Tour Order of Merit Winner.   "It has been great to see the course challenge the players. Ben Lovett and his team have done a wonderful job to prepare the course in such incredible condition; I can't compliment them enough."   Guests for the evening included dignitaries from some of the event sponsors, including Turkish Airlines, The Ministry of Culture and Tourism for Turkey, The European Tour, Maxx Royal owner Memet Ersoy and the world's media.   "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," said Ersoy.

Victor Dubuisson claimed a famous victory the following day, making birdies on three of his final four holes to claim a maiden European Tour victory.

"It's great to see such depth of talent out on the European Tour. We have youngsters from around the world plying their trade and blossoming into impressive players," added Montgomerie.

"We need to continue to support new events and present the opportunity for the next generation to compete against the current crop of starts.

"Turkey and all involved should be very proud in what has been created."

Nick Bonfield
Features Editor

Nick Bonfield joined Golf Monthly in 2012 after graduating from Exeter University and earning an NCTJ-accredited journalism diploma from News Associates in Wimbledon. He is responsible for managing production of the magazine, sub-editing, writing, commissioning and coordinating all features across print and online. Most of his online work is opinion-based and typically centres around the Majors and significant events in the global golfing calendar. Nick has been an avid golf fan since the age of ten and became obsessed with the professional game after watching Mike Weir and Shaun Micheel win The Masters and PGA Championship respectively in 2003. In his time with Golf Monthly, he's interviewed the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Jose Maria Olazabal, Henrik Stenson, Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Billy Horschel and has ghost-written columns for Westwood, Wayne Riley, Matthew Southgate, Chris Wood and Eddie Pepperell. Nick is a 12-handicap golfer and his favourite courses include Old Head, Sunningdale New, Penha Longha, Valderrama and Bearwood Lakes. If you have a feature pitch for Nick, please email nick.bonfield@futurenet.com with 'Pitch' in the subject line. Nick is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade M1 Fairway wood: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Hybrid: Ping Crossover Irons (4-9): Nike Vapor Speed Wedges: Cleveland CBX Full Face, 56˚, Titleist Vokey SM4, 60˚ Putter: testing in progress! Ball: TaylorMade TP5x