Golf's future lies in Asia: Montgomerie

Scottish golf legend Colin Montgomerie Friday said the sport's future lies in the Asia as the game has stagnated in Europe and America.

"Golf in America and Europe, I think, has stagnated in the last 10 years. The growth of the game is in Asia," Montgomerie said.

"We have an Asian winner of a Major, Y.E. Yang, who beat Tiger Woods in the PGA championship is a proof of that and we feel there is more to come," added Montgomerie, who conducted a short clinic for budding talents on the sidelines of the opening day of the Hero Cycles Golf Cup, here at the Delhi Golf Club (DGC).

"China, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, India have all come up well. I see India are going to Korea to compete in the Asian Games and I wish them all the success. And it would be great to see an Indian champion, a real world champion. I possibly saw that this morning. Possibly I saw 5-6 champions there this morning," the eighth time European Order of Merit winner said.

On being asked about his advice to the juniors, Colin said: "You have to have the passion and the desire. I saw that in the questions some of the juniors asked today. It's amazing when you play golf in Britain, Scotland, Europe and Amarica but today I have realised that It's incredible to play this game in India with the youngsters. I also saw the girls playing so well and it's wonderful that many girls are playing so well."