Lyle Gives A Late Apology

Lyle Gives A Late Apology

Lyle apologises to to Colin Montgomerie on Tuesday, but perhaps too late

The damage had already been done by the time the former Open and Masters champion told a packed press conference ahead of the Open at Turnberry he regretted bringing up the "cheat" controversy Europe's Ryder Cup captain was involved in four years ago.

"I feel especially bad if I have jeopardised his preparation for the Open Championship," said Lyle.

Yet at no time did he withdraw his comment made to two reporters a week ago and splashed across today's sporting headlines that what Montgomerie did in Indonesia was "a form of what you would call cheating".

Lyle pleaded the defence of "out of context", but then added: "It's all been well documented. It's all on video. It's not like I'm pre-fabricating.

Montgomerie gave his prize money to charity after the incident of his "wrong drop" came to light and the European Tour players' committee expressed their dissatisfaction with his actions at the time.

The eight-time European number one had hoped back then a line would be drawn under what became known as "Jakartagate". He could never have thought it would cause such a storm again now.

What Montgomerie thinks of his fellow Scot for raising the matter again is probably only for those closest to him.

He was due to attend the annual dinner of the Association of Golf Writers tonight but informed organisers during the day he would not now be coming.

Lyle said he had tried to speak to Montgomerie but the mobile number he had was "wiped out".

His attempts will continue. Lyle added: "He's the one I've hurt and he's obviously pretty cheesed off right now.

Asked if he thought Montgomerie, unanimously chosen by the players' committee in January in preference to Lyle, should now resign, he replied: "No. I don't think he should jeopardise his Ryder Cup position right now.

Montgomerie, though, has 15 more months before the Americans defend the trophy at Celtic Manor in Wales and what Lyle may have ensured is that the incident will be discussed even more between now and then.

Former captain Bernard Gallacher - another Scot - had no doubt which side to take.

In a series of radio, television and newspaper interviews, he commented: "Sandy, unfortunately, is bitter at not being given the captaincy and what he has now done is below the belt for me.

The 51-year-old was heavily criticised for walking out after only 10 holes at Royal Birkdale. He maintained he was injured, but to quit the biggest event in golf so soon into it - however bad the weather was - was viewed by some as poor judgment.

And that it turn was portrayed as a black mark against him when it came to choosing the next Ryder Cup captain.

Montgomerie, having said last September that "it would be nice" if Lyle got the job, took it himself four months later.

The interview he gave last week focused on that at first and he compared his situation with what happened at the Indonesian Open.

"There has been a few times where he has been called in to see the videos," he claimed before adding that Montgomerie was "a bit aloof" at times.

In his statement, Lyle added: "In my frustration over continually being asked about the incident at last year's Open Championship I regretfully brought up another old incident, one that has long since been resolved.

"I was trying to make the point by comparison that neither of these incidents had anything to do with the selection of the current Ryder Cup captain.

"I deeply regret making this comparison and apologise to Colin for involving him in my own issue.

"I sincerely hope that nothing more will be made of this issue. I hope our friendship is still there.

"I will speak to him when I can. Later on today if he's here."

Outside the Turnberry clubhouse soon afterwards, however, they were a few yards apart and Montgomerie walked straight past on his way to the first tee.

"All Colin wants is to do a good job as the captain and to be here this week to give himself the chance to play well at the Open."

Montgomerie is not the only player in this week's Open field to have been accused of cheating.

American Kenny Perry had to defend himself against claims of improper behaviour after video footage of him at the first extra play-off hole at the FBR Open in Arizona in February appeared to suggest he had improved his lie in the rough.

The 48-year-old went on to win the tournament but the issue came to a head at the Players' Championships in Florida in May when the PGA Tour had to declare they had "no problem" with the incident in an attempt to draw a line under matters.

"I went to Charley Hoffman (his playing partner) and he said he saw nothing wrong in it and the tour saw nothing wrong in it," said Perry when asked to comment on it and also Lyle's remarks about Montgomerie today.

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