Jose Maria Olazabal and Colin Montgomerie remember Amateur Championship

Jose Maria Olazabal and Colin Montgomerie have been remembering the 1984 Amateur Championship when the Spaniard got the better of the Scot at Formby.

The 114th Amateur Championship at Formby and West Lancashire is fast approaching and the pair have been speaking out about their encounter 25 years ago.

“Winning The Amateur was a fantastic experience, not only because I was successful at the biggest amateur event in the world, but because of what it means in terms of tradition and self confidence for the future,” explained Olazabal, winner of 23 European Tour events.

“So many great players have come out of it through the years so it means a lot; especially when I think about it in conjunction with the Boys, the Youths, and the Silver Medal at The Open Championship. I still dream that one day I'll get the Claret Jug to complete the whole circle.”   Montgomerie, who came so close to taking The Amateur title in ’84, still has fond memories of that Championship.   “It was the first time that I was really regarded on a British stage as a leading player in the amateur game and, not surprisingly, I enjoyed the occasion,” added Montgomerie.

“I found that I enjoyed the competitive nature of the game at that highest level of match play, although the Final was a bit one sided!"

The Amateur Championship takes place at Formby and West Lancashire golf clubs on June 15-20.

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