Texas Children's Houston Open

Memorial Park Golf Course



The Loop

Mysterious Monty

May 25, 2009

Two weeks ago, Colin Montgomerie took exception when Rory McIlroy downplayed the importance of the Ryder Cup.

Today, Montgomerie seemed to do the same to the U.S. Open. He withdrew from an Open qualifier.

No reason was provided, but one guess is the the sorry state of his game. Still, it's a major championship (unlike the Ryder Cup). Aren't you obligated at least to try?

Meanwhile, Geoff Shackelford is eagerly awaiting the the final count of those withdrawing from the European U.S. Open qualifier. The number last year was 20, down from a record 24 in 2006, he notes.

-- John Strege