Eight-time European Tour Order of Merit winner and Ryder Cup legend Colin Montgomerie has been awarded the Confederation of Professional Golf’s Lifetime Achievement Award 2020.
The award, introduced in 2011, recognises the greats within European golf, with a roll of honour to have received the accolade previously that includes Seve Ballesteros, Tony Jacklin, Alison Nicholas, Bernard Gallacher, Bernhard Langer, Nick Faldo, José María Olazábal and last year’s recipient, Robert Karlsson.
Spanning multiple decades, Montgomerie’s career has seen him claim over 50 worldwide wins, a record eight European Tour Order of Merit titles – which included a streak of seven consecutive Order of Merit titles from 1993 to 1999 – and he currently sits fourth on the European Tour’s list of players with the most victories.
Colin’s accomplishments stretch further than individual golf, as he is regarded as one of the greatest Ryder Cup players in the history of the biennial event. With eight appearances representing Team Europe, he has never lost a singles match and holds an exemplary match record of 20-9-7 across his Ryder Cup career. This was topped in 2010 however, when he captained Team Europe to victory against USA at Celtic Manor, as Europe prevailed 14.5-13.5.
Colin now enjoys an established playing career on the Senior’s Champions Tour, having already claimed seven Senior’s Tour events, including three Major Championships – two Senior PGA Championships and one US Senior Open victory.
On his recognition, Montgomerie commented: “I just want to thank the CPG for honouring me in this way. At 57, a Lifetime Achievement Award means a lot, and this is something I will treasure.”
Ian Randell, CPG Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to be able to recognise Colin’s achievements and contributions with this year’s CPG Lifetime Achievement Award – the successes that he has had during his career and his impact on, and leadership of, Team Europe in the Ryder Cup has placed him firmly amongst golf’s elite.”