Tour News (posted 7th July 1998)

Monty may face fine for missing Irish Open presentation ceremony

Luss, Scotland - European No. 1 Colin Montgomerie faces a possible fine for skipping Sunday's Murphy's Irish Open presentation ceremony after losing a playoff to England's David Carter.

Montgomerie did not wait to accept his runner-up prize after rolling his second shot into the lake on the first extra hole and conceding the victory to Carter on the green. He dashed away to catch his last flight out of Dublin.

The Scot's hasty departure shocked his Irish hosts as he had won the title for the two previous years,and this time
picked up a cheque for £106,631 as runner-up. Tournament director Paddy Rossi said: "We were surprised he left so quickly.
"The European tour has rules about these things and they might want to look into it.

Now European Tour officials are considering the Scot's reasons for missing the ceremony before they pass judgment.

Tournament promoter Paddy Rossi, though, said the Irish Open organisers were unabashed by Monty's non-appearance.

"Colin told us that he thought it was David Carter's day and he didn't want to get in the way," said Rossi. "We have no axe to grind with him."

Tour officials were reluctant to discuss regulations, giving the impression that they would rather the incident was brushed
aside. But a spokesman eventually conceded: "There are rules for players to turn up, and the first three usually do."

Four years ago Ernie Els was fined £250 when he failed to appear for the prize-giving after winning the Pro-Am event before the main tournament.

Fines of that size are a slap on the wrist to millionaire golfers. But they send the message to sponsors that players are expected
to behave courteously.