Monty's Back! Wouldn't Trade His Career For Tiger's And How Technology Deprived Tiger Of Majors
It wasn't all about Monty. In fact, he said some pretty interesting stuff about the de-skilling of elite level golf due to technology, which was once a concern of the governing bodies (they even put it in writing!).
Speaking to golf.com's Michael Bamberger, who wisely just turned on his tape recorder and let Colin Montgomerie talk. After reminding us repeatedly that he predicted Tiger's success at the 1997 Masters--he was villified!--Monty offered this assessment of technology and Woods.
“What might Woods have done had the game never moved off the balata ball and the wooden wood? Many golf fans would say he would have won less. I believe he would have won far more. He has the 14 majors. Without the equipment changes, I believe he’d have well into his 20s now. Because now everybody has clubs where they can do what he could do.
“Two others lost out hugely to technology. Greg Norman was one. He was the best driver of the ball with the wooden club ever. He lost out when drivers went to metal and suddenly we could do what he did. He lost his asset. And the other was Seve. When Ping developed its L-wedge, with box grooves, we could suddenly do what Seve could do with a 52° club. He lost his asset too. Tiger had all that, in spades. And then we were given equipment that allowed us to do what he could do."
But driving distances are steady, so all is well.
The line that is getting all the attention.
“I never won a major. Tiger won 14. But would I trade my career for Tiger’s? No. I started out this game a pretty good golfer and finished in the Hall of Fame. I feel I have overachieved. So how could I say I wish it were better? People will say, `Well, he didn’t win a major.’ And, yes, I would have liked to shut them up by winning one. But that’s my only regret, really. Great that I have won senior majors, which has quieted the odd person.
Odd, indeed.
Reader Comments (47)
Monty is darn good. period.
I'm a fan of him in the booth as well. Would like to catch him more often.
Tiger was good in his day, very good indeed - however to call him the best is perhaps a stage too far - my money would be on Young Tommy Morris.
Great insight baseball. That's one of the reasons I love this blog, for nuggets like yours.
As for Monty, I'm a big fan (of him as a broadcaster).
I agree with a lot of what he says, but to claim he wouldn't swap his zero majors career for Tiger's 14 is just silly.
I agree with Monty.
@James +1
backslide -1
Enjoyed watching Monty's rhythmic swing. Obviously he was a very talented player and he always seemed to swing within himself - he employed a long, fluid, and very accurate golf swing. He is also very astute as a golf commentator.
Interesting comment about Tiger / Persimmon & Balata / vs. players and forgiving equipment & longer golf ball. He might well be on to something here. Then again, TW was one of the first to go to a 5-piece ball (note his 15 shot win at Pebble / U.S. Open in 2000).
Would enjoy sharing a pint or two with Monty.
https://youtu.be/6eWNW0bbDFs
Remember a number of years ago during a press conference Monty stating that there had been many great players who did have a major.
A journo followed up with "name them" - The response was crickets.
It's a good defensive mechanism kicking in when he says he wouldn't switch careers with Woods. But, I believe he would switch.
I enjoy his work on TGC, and unfortunately have never been able to watch the Sky broadcasts so I can't have an opinion.He speaks clearly and articulately, and gives his opinions, Not everyone will agree with what he says, but that's fine...it should be appreciated. Those who disagree should be welcomed to disagree.
A few years ago, the telecast shows Sergio hitting a drive. Azinger spent about a minute pointing out everything Garcia "does wrong" with his swing. As soon as Azinger finally shut up, a graphic appeared showing Garcia as being #1 in Total Driving. Classic.
The other occurred a couple years ago during the telecast of The Open. There was a rules dispute with somebody's ball in a bunker. Azinger was incredulous about a ruling and as fate would present herself, ABC had the head of rules for the R&A in booth. The guy explained the ruling. And Zinger having none of it, arguing for a couple segments.
Ignorant and opinionated. Apparently we Americans love the combination because we elected one who possesses both in spades our newest president.