Monty's 19th Hole With A Difference

Last week www.golf-monthly.co.uk brought you Colin Montgomerie's version of boiled eggs, listed in a new charity cook book. Whilst the recipe was simple, straightforward and traditional, the popular Scot has broken the mould this week with an announcement regarding his latest golf course design project.

Rowallan Castle Golf Club in Ayrshire, the construction of which Monty has been overseeing, will be the first course in the world to feature a real 19th hole. The metaphorical 19th has been a traditional refuge for golfers everywhere - with the sanctuary of the bar and lounge areas offering welcome refreshment and relaxation after a hard day on the course.

Now Rowallan - with Monty's blessing - has incorporated a real 19th hole into its layout. The hole, which has been described as being a genuine championship-standard par-3, will act as a sudden-death hole for competitions that are not decided by the 18th. It will make strolling back to the 1st or 18th tees to begin sudden-death a thing of the past.

The £55 million course is scheduled to open in summer 2007, and as a result of the innovation it is alreasy one of the most talked about courses in Europe. However, the designers have been quick to reject claims that the building of the 19th - dubbed 'the money hole' - is a publicity stunt.

"We just thought - why not?" said Montgomerie.

"The 19th hole is the stuff of golfing legend. We felt it was time to make it a reality. It will be interesting to see if the idea catches on."