Montgomerie has title in his sights
Colin Montgomerie will continue his worldwide odyssey this week within sight of an eighth Order of Merit title.
Montgomerie moved ahead of Michael Campbell into top spot on the money list courtesy of his joint third in the American Express Championship yesterday.
The seven-time European number one could have enjoyed an even bigger lead on the US Open champion if not for a final hole bogey which cost him outright third place and an additional £60,000 (€87,252).
But with just three events remaining, and Campbell only scheduled to play in the season-ending Volvo Masters, Montgomerie’s £90,000 (€130,878) lead makes him a firm favourite to claim the Harry Vardon trophy for the first time since the last of his seven straight wins in 1999.
“I’m very tired now but I’ve done okay,” said Montgomerie. “I came here to try to do a few things and I achieved them. I’m coming away very positive and can take it on next week in Madrid.
“It feels fantastic to go top of the Order of Merit. I had a goal at the start of the week to overtake Michael and get some more Ryder Cup points, which I achieved.”
It is no wonder Montgomerie was feeling tired after an exhausting schedule this season which was undertaken as he tried to gather world ranking points to climb from 81st at the start of the year.
The 42-year-old has played in Singapore, Australia, Dubai, China (three times), Indonesia, America (four times) and numerous events in Europe, and travelled to San Francisco last week immediately after winning his first title for 19 months in the Dunhill Links Championship.
It has all been worthwhile however with his world ranking improving to 14th and an automatic place on the Ryder Cup team for the K Club next year all but assured.
“I hated getting picked (for Oakland Hills). I felt left out somehow. Bernhard Langer made me very welcome but I hated having to get picked. I want to earn my spot and be part of the thing.”
There is still enough prize money available for Montgomerie to be overtaken in the money list, although Campbell could only manage a share of 46th at Harding Park last week.
The New Zealander is not scheduled to play in Madrid this week – where Seve Ballesteros is hoping to make his long-awaited comeback – but even if Montgomerie wins at Club de Campo, the first prize in the Volvo Masters at Valderrama would give Campbell a chance of reclaiming top spot.
Neither player will compete in the low-key Mallorca Classic from November 20-23.
