Monty finds putting range in time for US Open bid
NEWPORT, Wales: Colin Montgomerie is hoping he has at last found a putting formula in time for the US Open at Oakmont.
The eight-time European No 1, who lost a playoff to Ernie Els in 1994 at Oakmont, which stages the second major of the year in 11 days time, has been in despair with his putting for most of this year.
Even when he shot a 64 at the Wales Open on Friday, Montgomerie was unhappy with his putting. However, a switch to a heavier putter on Sunday seemed to help. A closing seven-under-par 63 that hauled him through the field to 269, six off winner Richard Sterne of South Africa, included six birdies on an unblemished card.
Although he let an eight-footer go by on the last for birdie, putts like his 24-footer on the previous hole proved a timely fillip for the 43-year-old Scot, whose last European Tour victory came 19 months ago.
"Something had to change," Montgomerie told reporters. "I struck the ball super today. It couldn't get worse for somebody of my ability. I've had a terrible run."
As joint runner-up in last year's US Open at Winged Foot where he unhappily double bogeyed the last, Montgomerie is hoping to go one better at Oakmont where 13 years ago he came so close to pulling off victory.
Major titles have continued to elude him ever since.
"I look forward to going back. I just hope it's not as warm as last time," he said. "It was the hottest I've ever been on a golf course."
Agencies
(China Daily 06/05/2007 page23)
