Monty rules Europe again
A share of third place at the Volvo Masters was enough for Colin Montgomerie to clinch a record eighth European Order of Merit title.
Paul McGinley of Ireland won at Valderrama after a fourth round 67 that left him on 10 under par. Sergio Garcia was second, two shots behind. However, Montgomerie — who was joint leader going into the final round — was content to finish tied with Jose Maria Olazabal and Luke Donald on seven under par.
The Scot’s closest challenger for the Order of Merit, Michael Campbell, had to finish above Montgomerie to have any chance of ending the year as Europe’s leading player, but could only tie for 14th on three under.
Montgomerie claimed this Order of Merit was sweeter than the previous seven, won consecutively between 1993 and 1999. Since then, a high-profile divorce led to a slump of form that he only emerged from whilst helping Europe retain the Ryder Cup last year.
“The others became almost expected in the end, but this one is very, very special,” said the 42-year-old. “I didn’t need this — I wanted it.”
McGinley’s £450,445 winner’s cheque moved him up to third place in the final merit table. It was his first tour victory for four years.