Pablo Larrazabal won his first professional title at the 2008 Open de France, overcoming a three-shot deficit to finish four strokes ahead of veteran golfer Colin Montgomerie. Larrazabal attributes his victory to a motivational remark made by Montgomerie, who questioned the young Spaniard’s ability to handle pressure in the final round.
Before the decisive round at Le Golf National, Montgomerie, a seasoned competitor with a storied career, expressed doubts about Larrazabal’s patience and composure. This comment resonated deeply with Larrazabal. Reflecting on that pivotal moment, he stated, “I remember the day before, on the Saturday night, I was reading some news, and it was a sentence that fired me up big time from Mr. Colin Montgomerie.”
Montgomerie had highlighted Larrazabal as “that young Spaniard,” implying that he might falter under pressure. These words served as the catalyst for Larrazabal, who felt a surge of determination as he prepared for the final round.
Victory at Le Golf National
Larrazabal not only secured his first title but did so against a backdrop of Montgomerie’s own challenges. At that time, Montgomerie had already claimed his eighth and final Order of Merit title in 2005 and was seeking a return to form. Despite his experience, Montgomerie had managed only one top-10 finish on the European Tour that year, and this tournament was crucial for his aspirations.
“I have to thank him because he’s a true gentleman, and he helped me a lot because he’s a very calm guy,” Larrazabal added, referring to his playing partner, Soren Hansen. The support from Hansen, combined with Montgomerie’s comments, fueled Larrazabal’s confidence, enabling him to perform at his best.
The young Spaniard went on to win the tournament, marking a significant milestone in his career on the DP World Tour. His four-shot lead over Montgomerie illustrated not just a victory but a turning point in his professional journey.
Montgomerie’s Challenges and Ryder Cup Implications
For Montgomerie, the 2008 season was fraught with pressure as he looked ahead to the Ryder Cup at Valhalla later that year. His performance in France was critical, but it did not yield the results he hoped for. Following his missed cut at Loch Lomond, Montgomerie faced the reality of potentially missing the Ryder Cup for the first time since his debut in 1991.
As the European captain, Sir Nick Faldo ultimately chose Ian Poulter and Paul Casey over Montgomerie for his picks, marking a significant moment in Montgomerie’s career. This decision signaled a shift in the trajectory of his golfing life; he transitioned from player to captain, taking the helm for the 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor.
Montgomerie’s lasting impact on the European Tour remains undeniable, yet his career at the top level faced a pivotal change following the Open de France. As Larrazabal continues to build his career, the remarks from Montgomerie serve as a reminder of the powerful influence words can have in sports and the resilience required to succeed.