November 16, 2014 – Having amassed 31 European Tour victories, eight Order of Merit titles, two Senior Major Championships, and played in eight Ryder Cups, Colin Montgomerie turned from champion golfer to host last Saturday evening, welcoming guests to a celebration of his 600^th European Tour appearance at the Turkish Airlines Open.

On the eve of what is poised to be a tense final round with European Ryder Cup stars, Major Champions and former World No.1’s towards the top of the world-class leaderboard at the Montgomerie Maxx Royal, Colin Montgomerie took the opportunity to host guests, VIPs and sponsors in a special evening.

On the luxury terrace overlooking the 18^th green of the Montgomerie Maxx Royal golf course, Colin welcomed guests to celebrate his milestone achievement. “This is a very special week, and this evening it’s fantastic to be able to relax and have a bit of down time with the fantastic team here at the Maxx Royal and the Turkish Airlines Open,” commented Colin. “To be able to mark my 600^th Tour event at a course I designed and which is hosting such a prestigious tournament on the European Tour is a huge honour for me.”

Colin Montgomerie continued, “We all had a great time last year when we first came to Turkey, and to see the tournament return to the Montgomerie Maxx Royal is a great thrill for me. Despite the weather it promises to be a very successful tournament.”

Guests for the evening included dignitaries from some of the event sponsors, including Turkish Airlines, The Ministry of Youth and Sports, The European Tour, the world’s media, and Maxx Royal owner, Memet Ersoy.

“We have had another fantastic week of golf this week, and are delighted to strengthen our ties with the European Tour and of course, with Colin,” commented Memet Ersoy. “He has been very kind to host us this evening and we’re delighted that he could celebrate his 600^th event with us.”