Colin Montgomerie is 'quite depressed' by players leaving the European circuit for PGA Tour and LIV Golf

Veteran European Tour golfer Colin Montgomerie is quite 'depressed' about DP World Tour players leaving their circuit to compete in PGA Tour or LIV Golf events. The Saudi-backed LIV Golf has attracted dozens of European Tour players, including Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and many others.

Moreover, the PGA Tour has also signed a deal with the DP World Tour, allowing the players finishing in the top 10 in the Race to Dubai standings to join the American circuit.

Recently, in an interview with Golf Magic, Colin Montgomerie opened up about these changes in golf. The Scottish golfer strongly expressed his disappointment, saying:

"Yeah, I'm getting quite depressed now, as I speak on behalf of my old tour, the European Tour. Yes, it's weakened; there's no denying it. You can paint it up as much as you want. You could paint it rose-tinted, whatever you want to do, but come on."

Montgomerie also criticized the PGA Tour policy of allowing the top 10 players in the Race to Dubai standings to compete on their circuit. He further added:

"Top 10 in your business every year is going to be weaker, isn't it? So [it's] great for the PGA Tour; I can't believe they accepted it, to be honest, because they're taking spots away from Americans, but good on them to get them. Unfortunately, Europe, Europe has suffered, and the European Tour will suffer because of it."

Colin Montgomerie enjoys tremendous success on the DP World Tour. He currently plays on the Senior European Tour and the PGA Tour Champions. He has won 31 European Tour events and was once ranked number two globally. Montgomerie also found success while competing in majors. Although he did not win any, he was the runner-up at the US Open, PGA Championship, and The Open Championship multiple times in his career.

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Colin Montgomerie urges Bratian to use their first-class golf courses to attract players on European Tour

Colin Montgomerie also proposed a solution to the problem in his interview with Golf Magic. The veteran golfer suggested that Britain should utilize its rich, first-class golf courses to attract players to compete on their circuit. He said:

"What we have, in Britain, we should be showcasing more. We're lucky that the Senior Open is going to Carnoustie, which is great for us. The ladies are at St Andrews, which is great for them this year. You know we've got Trump Aberdeen, which is a superb facility. We need more of that. We need more of the courses. The courses are going to really establish the field.

"In Britain, we have, my God, there are some superb places that are still so-called hidden gems. It's unfortunate we’re playing on courses where the sponsorship is there. You have to think of the money, but the course, the course, brings the best people definitely," he added.

It is important to note that some renowned golf events usually occur in Europe. The biennial Ryder Cup was last held in Rome, while the upcoming Open Championship will also take place in Europe. The major is scheduled from June 18 to 21 at the Royal Troon Golf Club in Scotland.

However, the major tournaments feature LIV golfers, PGA Tour, and DP World Tour players, along with those who qualified for the events. Regular DP World Tour events often miss out on the top-ranked golfers.