Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie's return to action in Seville next week will mark his 500th European Tour appearance as a professional.

That is still more than 200 fewer than the Tour record held by his fellow Scot Sam Torrance, but Montgomerie is proud to be joining an elite band of 18 players to have reached the landmark.

"I am very lucky that my career is also my passion," said the eight-time Order of Merit winner.

"I still enjoy the thrill of competing just as much as I did when I started out on the European Tour 20 years ago."

Actually it is 23 years since he first appeared as an amateur at the Scottish Open at Gleneagles, finishing joint 29th.

"Over the years and the 499 events I have been delighted and proud to be part of the Tour and to see it develop into the thriving worldwide tour it stands as today."

Since his debut the 45-year-old has rewritten the history books several times, having amassed total earnings of almost £20million, recorded 182 top-10 finishes, set 13 course records and won more times - 31 - than any other British player.

He might also have taken over from Nick Faldo as the highest points-scorer in Ryder Cup history if Faldo had picked him for last September's match, but his unbeaten singles record in eight matches is among his greatest achievements.

Tour statistician Steve Doughty has calculated that Montgomerie is a cumulative 1,597 under par for his 499 events and has earned £182 for each of his 121,525 shots.

Next week's event is the Andalucian Open at the Jose Maria Olazabal-designed Real Club in Seville. Thomas Levet is the defending champion, but the course is the one on which Ireland's Peter Lawrie won the Spanish Open last year.