Colin Montgomerie points out key errors golfers make trying to cut their handicap

During a chat with David Jones on the EU Legends Tour’s Instagram page, Montgomerie was asked what mistakes amateurs tend to make.

And according to him, there are a couple of things that stand out.

“Amateurs, they make the grand mistake of ‘par five, I’ll hit it harder’. Right? Got to get there in two, or get as close as possible,” he said.

Asked if there were any wider trends he noticed among amateur players, Montgomerie shared his thoughts on what holds many back.

“It’s interesting isn’t it you know. Every handicap golfer wants to get that handicap down further. I mean, five foot ten, you walk in a single figure handicap and you’re suddenly six foot aren’t you? It’s that feeling, self-esteem, get your handicap down.

“It’s very difficult, guys and girls nowadays, coming from work expecting to play the monthly medal and expecting to play to seven or eight handicap, you just can’t. We’ve got to – and I hate to use that word practice – but you have to. And I think generally, the amateur, they number one, swing the club too quickly. I’ve never ever told an amateur to swing harder, or quicken up, always to slow down. And two, they grip the club too tightly.

“So the stress and strain in the forearms is huge, with every club, putter included. It doesn’t allow an amateur to actually finish their backswing. If you’re tight, you’re short and can’t do it. If you’re loose, you can get back. Flexibility is everything and it will stop everyone eventually but even if you’re semi-flexible, we can do it, providing you’ve got light hands at address.”

Colin Montgomerie’s career numbers tell the story of a brilliant player

If you want a prime example of a golfer who built an impressive career without ever winning a major, Colin Montgomerie fits the bill perfectly.

With over 50 professional wins and a Ryder Cup record bettered by only four Europeans, Montgomerie is one of the game’s most recognisable figures.

The bulk of his career came on the European Tour, but he also spent time on the PGA Tour and Champions Tour later in life. There are plenty out there who would love to have had his level of career success.

Beyond his playing days, he has carved out a role in broadcasting and is not shy about giving strong opinions. With everything he accomplished on the course, that voice carries weight across the sport.