Golfing icon Colin Montgomerie is set to make an emotional return to the hallowed grounds of St Andrews in 2025, after being granted a special exemption to compete in The Open Championship. The 61-year-old Scot, an eight-time European Tour Order of Merit winner, will tee it up at the Home of Golf for what could be his final major appearance.
A Legend's Farewell at the Home of Golf
Montgomerie, who famously never won a major despite his dominance in Europe, will receive one of the R&A's prestigious special exemptions to compete in golf's oldest championship. This marks a fitting tribute to one of Britain's most successful golfers, particularly at St Andrews where he finished runner-up to Tiger Woods in 2005.
Montgomerie's St Andrews Legacy
The veteran golfer has a rich history with the Old Course, having contended in multiple Opens there throughout his illustrious career. His near-miss in 2005, when he briefly challenged Woods before finishing five shots back, remains one of the most memorable moments of his career.
"It would be an incredible honour," Montgomerie recently told BBC Sport about the potential invitation. "St Andrews is such a special place for me and for golf. To play there again in The Open would be a dream come true."
R&A's Special Exemption Tradition
The R&A occasionally grants special exemptions to players who have made significant contributions to the game. Past recipients include Tom Watson, who nearly won at Turnberry in 2009 aged 59, and three-time champion Tiger Woods.
Montgomerie's exemption continues this tradition, recognising his:
- Eight European Tour Order of Merit titles
- 31 European Tour victories
- Multiple Ryder Cup heroics
- Longstanding ambassadorial role for European golf
What This Means for 2025 Open
The 2025 Championship at St Andrews promises to be particularly poignant, potentially featuring farewell appearances from both Montgomerie and Tiger Woods. The historic venue last hosted The Open in 2022, when Cameron Smith claimed the Claret Jug.
Golf fans worldwide will undoubtedly relish the opportunity to see Montgomerie compete at St Andrews one final time, as the legendary links prepares to write another chapter in its storied history.
