Jacklin Slams Monty Decision
Tony Jacklin doesn't believe that Colin Montgomerie deserves to have been elected into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Montgomerie will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Monday in Florida along with Fred Couples, but Jacklin, a two-time major winner, reckons major victories should be a prerequisite for the honour.
American golfer Ray Floyd was the first to raise the criticism, saying: "I'll just say that you should have at least two majors. It takes integrity away from the term 'Hall of Fame.' I'm very upset at the Hall of Fame."
Many believe that Montgomerie's eight European Order of Merit titles, seven of them in a row, along with his superb Ryder cup record as both player and captain (he never lost a singles match as a player) are worthy enough of the honour, but Jacklin agrees with Floyd.
"It's hard to disagree with Raymond. I vote on the basis of who's worthy and there's always majors in it for me," he said.
"He won't be remembered for the Ryder Cup when he's dead and buried.
"It will just be something that happened in a Ryder Cup. I understand he has a fantastic record and is a great player but he should have won majors."
Montgomerie's fellow Scot Sandy Lyle said: "I thought a major should be behind your name to be even considered. Quite a lot of players have won majors and not even been considered."
some also believe that players like Davis Love and Mark O'Meara are more worthy of the honour.
Two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer said: "I don't understand why Mark O'Meara isn't in the Hall of Fame.
"I voted for him the last two or three years. He has the better record than either of those two. I'm not saying Couples or Monty shouldn't be in, but I'm saying Mark O'Meara should be in."
Golf 365