Colin Montgomerie confirms his presence at the inaugural Sicilian Open – European Tour update
Colin Montgomerie, nicknamed Monty, has confirmed his presence at the inaugural Sicilian Open which will tee off at the Donnafugata Golf resort and Spa later this month. The event will take place from 17 to the 20th of March. The 47-year-old Scottish
professional golfer is expected to add his 32nd European Tour victory at the one million Euros event to his illustrious career which was marginalized due to the demanding captaincy of the European Team in the Ryder Cup.
Monty recognizes the importance of the first European Tour event in 2011 to be actually played upon on European soil. The previous events took place in South Africa, Australia, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and other Asian states this year. "I've always been a
great supporter of new events on The European Tour and I'm looking forward to visiting Sicily," Monty said in an interview, "Italian golf is in a strong position at the moment and hopefully this tournament will help develop it even further.” He added, “I’m
delighted to lend my support to it and hopefully I will be able to contend as well. My game has been improving this year and this will be another opportunity for me to try to win another European Tour title."
However, the strong playing field at the Sicilian Open ensures stiff resistance for Monty in achieving his motive. The field of competitors includes the recent winner of the Avantha Masters in India, SSP Chorasia; Scotsman Paul Lawrie; three time European
tour winner 28-year-old Nick Dougherty, Indian Jeev Mikha Singh and the Thai sensation Thongchai Jaidee. However, the golfing giants of Italy including Matthew Manassero and the Molinari Brothers, Edward and Francis, will not be a part of this event. “Of course,
there is a bit of regret for the absence of our three musketeers” admitted the president of FederGolf, Franco Chimenti. He added, “But Frank has just had a baby and wants to remain close to his wife and child, while Matthew and Edward are committed in America
to make some important results. Manassero especially trying to get into the world top 50 to play in the Majors, starting with the Augusta Masters in Georgia, What I can say though is that we want to bring the Italian Open in Sicily who is betting a lot on
Golf.”
The prestigious event in Ragusa with television coverage in over 50 countries grants free admission to the public. On the other hand, the picturesque Donnafugata Golf resort and SPA offers two magnificent championship courses, the Parkland course designed
by Gary Player and another 18-hole championship course designed by Franco Piras. The tournament is part of a three year project called the “Sicilian Open Golf 2010-12” aimed to bring tourism to the region. The “Sicilian Senior Open” was held last year under
the same project while the third and last important event of “Sicilian Open Golf 2010-12” will be held the next year.
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