Nov. 21, 2025 SHARE: In a night filled with laughter, memories and heartfelt admiration, legendary golfer Colin Montgomerie returned to his alma mater, Houston Christian University (formerly HBU), not as a student-athlete or Hall of Fame inductee—but as a treasured guest reflecting on a journey that started on the fairways of HCU and led to global acclaim. During an exclusive Q&A session conducted by HCU President Robert Sloan, Montgomerie—affectionately known as “Monty”—charmed the crowd with his wit, humility and deep appreciation for the University that launched his career. From Huskies to Hall of Fame Before reaching the heights of golf stardom, Montgomerie was a standout four-year letterwinner at HBU, a two-time All- American, Player of the Year in 1985, and a TAAC record-holder for shooting 11-under par in tournament play. He recalled his collegiate years fondly, calling them “the best four years of my life.” “I will always say the most important thing I’ve ever done in my life was getting my degree from HBU,” Montgomerie told the crowd. “It allowed me to take the chance to turn pro, knowing I had something to fall back on.” A Career Born on the Back Nine In a moment that felt almost scripted by fate, Montgomerie recounted how a nine-hole job interview with IMG executives at Turnberry became the unexpected launching pad for his professional golf career. “I birdied the 10th … holed out of a bunker at 11, chipped in around 14 or 15 … and finished with a massive putt on 18, he said. They looked at me and said, ‘Colin, you’re not going to work for us, we’re going to work for you.’ In that moment, he realized that a pro golf career was in his future. That confidence and charisma carried him to 31 European Tour victories, an undefeated Ryder Cup singles record and a place in the World Golf Hall of Fame. The Evolution of the Game When asked by Dr. Sloan how the game has changed, Montgomerie offered a thoughtful reflection. “Well, it’s changed dramatically and … it’s stayed the same,” he said. “What has changed of course is the physicality of the game.” There used to be two variables: the golf ball and the golf club.” The third variable today is “the athlete,” specifically citing Tiger Woods and the impact he has had on the game. He believes that one fundamental has not changed. “The guy that can handle the pressure and hole the putt on the last green normally wins.” For Montgomerie, it is that simple, “the lowest score wins … and it’ll always be that way.” Ryder Cup Memories & Mental Tricks One of the most compelling segments came when Montgomerie spoke about his Ryder Cup legacy—where he famously never lost a singles match across eight appearances. He detailed the nerves of teeing off first at the 2004 Ryder Cup at Oakland Hills. His secret weapon? The 37 times table. “And that’s all I was doing, reciting my 37 times table in my head as I was teeing off . It took me away from all the technical stuff that was going on and got me in a frame of mind to hit the ball.” Reflecting on the Journey Montgomerie is grateful for the opportunity to still compete in a game he loves. But in a sport that can be all encompassing, he describes spending time with family as his top priority. “Family is number one for us,” said Montgomerie. He expressed appreciation for the opportunity to return to his alma mater and amazement at how quickly time has passed. “It was only yesterday that I was at the university and … here we are now, but it’s been a great experience.” Full Circle Montgomerie’s return to Houston Christian University wasn’t just a homecoming—it was a full-circle moment. Surrounded by current student-athletes, coaches, alumni and supporters, he stood as a reminder of what HCU fosters: excellence, humility and the courage to chase dreams. As the evening concluded, President Sloan summarized what many were thinking: “You may be a global icon, Colin, but to us—you’ll always be a Husky.” MONTGOMERIE’S HCU LEGACY Two-time All-American (1986 and 1987) 1985 Player of the Year & TAAC Individual Champion Still holds the TAAC tournament scoring record (-11) Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2013 Namesake of the annual Montgomerie Invitational at Sweetwater Country Club
