Larry Montes

Abundio "Larry" Montes (February 28, 1911 – 1996) was a Filipino professional golfer who is the 13-time Philippine Open champion.

Early life and education Montes was born on February 28, 1911, in Santa Maria, Bulacan. Montes has at least two younger brothers and two younger sisters. He and his brother Vicente were asked by a police officer to carry bags for American golfers in 1923. Montes observed golfers play and taught himself of the sport. He lost his temper, failed to execute an easy putt and was penalized conceding the Open to J.R.H. Mason.

1929 to 1932 After the 1929 Open win, Downs funded Montes' trip abroad. He left in March 13, 1931, to go to the United States and Europe. Montes took part at the 1931 French Open and finished as runners-up. He qualified for the British Open but missed the 36-hole cut. In the United States, Montes played in the U.S. Open in Toledo as well as other tournaments. He returned to the Philippines by October 1931. Montes also played at the Japan Open Golf Championship finishing 11th in 1932 and runner-up in 1933. He returned to Manila in late 1935. Montes went on to win nine more editions of the Philippine Open from 1941 to 1954. He also played in Australia.

He had won games against top golfers of his time such as Norman Von Nida and Jug McSpaden by the 1940s. with Vic Allin in 1959; with Ben Arda in 1960.

Later life and death Montes emigrated to the United States by the 1980s.

Honors Montes was inducted to the Golf Hall of Fame in 1990. The Philippine Sportswriters Association named Montes among the Half Century Athletes and one of the Athletes of the Year for 1951.

Tournament wins 1929 Philippine Open 1931 Philippine Open 1944 Philippine Open 1948 Philippine Open 1951 Philippine Open 1953 Philippine Open 1954 Philippine Open

Team appearances Canada Cup (representing the Philippines): 1954, 1955, 1959, 1960