2 days Ago By Ben Crawford
Scottish golfing legend Colin Montgomerie has thrown his weight behind ex- Premier League midfielder Jimmy Bullard’s PGA Tour Champions hopes. Montgomerie claimed 42 total victories throughout an illustrious five-time Ryder Cup -winning career and now struts his stuff on the circuit formerly known as the Senior PGA Tour , which is open to golfers age 50 and over. During a relaxed nine holes with former Wigan Athletic , Hull City , and Fulham man Bullard, the 61-year-old was asked whether his impressive opponent for the day would have what it takes to tee off against a slurry of professionals in three years or so time - given the Englishman is turning 47 this year - and five-time major runner-up Montgomerie didn’t mince words when giving a response.
“We did touch on it on the tee, but Jimmy, in a couple of years, three years, wants to go on the senior tour. From what you've seen today, can he do it? And if not, what does he need to work on?” Montgomerie was asked on the Golf Life YouTube channel by co-host Peter ‘Tubes’ Dale. “That’s a good question, isn’t it,” he replied.
“That’s a good question. Very little you have to work on. You’ve got great hands.
You've got good speed. When you talk about 111, 112 miles an hour club head speed - that is PGA Tour stuff, never mind Champions Tour stuff. “So, you’ve got the speed.
You’ve got the length. You know how to compete which is key - you want to compete. You want the challenge, don’t you? That's what it is.
You want the challenge, and you are good enough to compete. This is the first time I’ve played nine holes with you, and I’ve been very very impressed. “Very impressed with everything; the putting, and stroke is superb.
What you’ve got in your hands...
the educated hands we call it in our game. I tell you what, three years, what are you 47? Give it a bash. Give it a bash.
I think you are [good enough]. I think you’d regret it if you didn’t.” Montgomerie was convinced that the former Soccer AM co-host has what it takes to become part of the Champions Tour furniture.
He also played up the chances of a certain golfing legend crossing paths with Bullard should his ambitions be realised. “It would be fantastic for the viewers to watch and to see you competing against the likes of a Darren Clarke or a [Miguel Angel] Jimenez or an Ernie Els or a [Fred] Couples of [Steve] Stricker - well, hey, Tiger Woods? He’s 50 in December,” continued Montgomerie. “Now, if he’s fit and if he wants to play.
.. But, when the draw comes out, and you’ve had a good day, you’re a couple under, which is easily achievable.
And he's had his two under. Draw comes out: Jimmy Bullard, Tiger Woods! The viewing figures..
. Come on now! Superb. Let's hope he does come out on our Tour.
He’s the needle of our game, as he has been. “He’s the Messi and Ronaldo of ours all mixed into one. It’d be fantastic.
If you’re asking the question to me, who hopefully knows a little about the tour. I’m telling you, you are plenty good enough to compete with the legends of the Champions Tour. Already.
And that’s without the next three years of giving it loads of graft.”.
