Montgomerie pulled out of the VW China Masters to fly home

The announcement comes after Montgomerie pulled out of the VW China Masters contest for "personal reasons".

The golfer, 40, raised in Troon in Scotland, is ranked 45th in the world and won the Singapore Masters in March.

In a joint statement the couple said: "We particularly wish to protect our three children. We dismiss current media speculation."

This has been a desperately difficult decision for us both and is a painful time for the family Statement from Colin and Eimear Montgomerie

The couple have denied rumours Four Weddings And A Funeral star Hugh Grant, 43, had offered Mrs Montgomerie support during recent strains in her relationship.

Grant's friends have also denied suggestions that a relationship has developed between the pair.

Montgomerie became Grant's playing partner at pro-celebrity golf tournaments after the actor took up an interest in the sport.

The Montgomeries' statement went on: "We have sadly decided to separate with a view to divorce.

Open Championship

"This has been a desperately difficult decision for us both and is a painful time for the family."

The couple, who have been married for 14 years, met for talks after the former European number one pulled out of the Asian Tour event in Beijing on Tuesday.

The golfer's spokesman Guy Kinnings would not confirm whether he had left the home he shares with his 34-year-old wife in Oxshott, Surrey.

He said: "There will be no further statement and Colin has not yet made a decision about whether he will play in next week's British Masters tournament."

Mr Kinnings said the same applied to the Open Championship in July, which will be held on Montgomerie's home course at Royal Troon.

The decision to fly home from China came at a difficult time for Montgomerie professionally as he may have to qualify for the Open.

The top 50 players in the world rankings automatically qualify for the tournament, leaving him vulnerable in 45th place.