Golf Question of the Week: It's Masters Time ... Where's Monty?

The antagonistic relationship between American golf and Scotland’s Colin Montgomerie took a new turn last week, when it was revealed that the Masters passed over Monty in favor of three lower-ranked Asian players. True to form, Monty was less than pleased.

"There has been no call from Augusta and I am not expecting one. Now, if I were the only person in the country, a la China, I might get in,” said Montgomerie, as reported by GolfChannel.com. “It is a strange way to make up a field for a major championship— television rights. They are quite open about why.”

Indeed, Augusta chairman Billy Payne has been straightforward in the club’s rationale. "These three individuals (China's Liang Wen-chong, Thailand's Prayad Marksaeng and Indian Jeev Milkha Singh, respectively 111th, 93rd and 80th in the world) are successful, accomplished and talented golfers deserving of a Masters invitation,” Payne told Telegraph.co.uk. “They are outstanding representatives of their respective countries.

"This is also another component in our objective of growing the game of golf worldwide utilising the Masters brand. We think the interest in golf in each country will heighten when these players compete in the Masters."

Fair enough. But c’mon – given the current acrimony, wouldn’t a last-minute invite add some nice little spice? Not that the Masters ever really needs it. But the next time he sets foot on the soil of a U.S. golf course – be it Augusta National or elsewhere in the States – don’t you want to see how he competes in front of a less-than-friendly, “Proud to be an American” gallery?

Decorum schmorum. Payne would be wishing both McCord and Feherty were back to add some civility to the proceedings.

In any case ... It’d be kinda fun, wouldn’t it?