Colin Montgomerie Questions Scottie Scheffler’s Star Power – “He doesn’t have Tiger’s aura”

In a recent interview, Colin Montgomerie sparked controversy with his candid opinions on current world number one, Scottie Scheffler. Montgomerie, known for his blunt commentary, shared his views on the state of men’s professional golf and specifically on Scheffler’s place among the sport’s elite.

The conversation, conducted by GolfMagic, has sent ripples through the golf community, given Montgomerie’s illustrious career and respected status in the sport.

Colin Montgomerie, affectionately known as “Monty,” is a legendary figure in golf. The Scottish golfer boasts a career filled with accolades, including eight European Tour Order of Merit titles and pivotal performances in the Ryder Cup, where he became a European hero.

Recently, Montgomerie sat down with GolfMagic to discuss various topics, including the current roster of golf stars. It was during this interview that his comments about Scottie Scheffler grabbed headlines.

Scheffler, currently the world’s top-ranked golfer, has had a phenomenal year with five victories on the PGA Tour, including a win at The Masters. Despite his achievements, Colin Montgomerie expressed reservations about Scheffler’s impact on the sport compared to other top players.

Colin Montgomerie’s Critique of Scottie Scheffler’s “Aura”

In the interview, Colin Montgomerie was asked about the “box office” golfers in today’s game. He named Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, and Ludvig Aberg, pointedly excluding Scheffler from this elite group.

“I would say there are three box office players right now; I would have to include Ludvig Aberg as a potential box office player, Rory and Bryson DeChambeau,” Colin Montgomerie stated.

“I’m not including Scottie Scheffler because I wouldn’t say he was box office as such. He’s a hell of a golfer and still the best in the world, but I wouldn’t say he’s box office,” he added.

Colin Montgomerie elaborated on his reasoning, contrasting Scheffler’s presence with that of past legends like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.

“He doesn’t have Tiger’s aura. He doesn’t have Phil Mickelson’s aura. When you played against them, there was something about them,” Montgomerie said.

Colin Montgomerie emphasized that the aura around players like Woods and Mickelson made playing against them a uniquely daunting challenge, one that he believes Scheffler does not currently present.

Despite his criticism, Colin Montgomerie acknowledged Scheffler’s extraordinary accomplishments. Scheffler’s 2024 season has been nothing short of remarkable, with victories at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, The Players Championship, The Masters, RBC Heritage, and the Memorial. These wins have earned him over $25 million in prize money, a testament to his skill and consistency.

Yet, Montgomerie maintained that Scheffler lacks the magnetism of a true superstar.

“I wouldn’t go, ‘Okay, now where is Scottie Scheffler? I must run out on the course and see him play’. I’d run out and watch Bryson, Ludvig, and Rory,” Colin Montgomerie remarked.

He suggested that while Scheffler is incredibly talented, he does not evoke the same excitement and urgency to watch as other players do.

Colin Montgomerie’s views on Scheffler’s aura versus his accomplishments highlighted an ongoing debate in the golf world about what makes a player truly “box office.” Scheffler’s arrest during the PGA Championship weekend and his subsequent performance—finishing eighth—added a dramatic twist to his season. Nevertheless, his prowess on the course has been undeniable, and he remains a formidable presence in the sport.

Montgomerie’s interview has stirred conversation about what defines a star in golf. His candid remarks on Scottie Scheffler reflect his belief that star power goes beyond skill—it’s about the aura and excitement a player brings to the game.

As Scheffler continues to compete at the highest levels, the world will be watching to see if he can cultivate the magnetism that Montgomerie and others deem essential for true “box office” status.