The 41-year-old Scot then hitched a lift in Els’ private jet from Beijing to Shanghai and was thrilled to receive a compliment from the world number three.

“He said on the plane he hasn’t played with me for a few years and the last time we competed together was in the US Open in 1997,” revealed Montgomerie, who was beaten to the title by one shot by Els at Congressional.

“He said I was only a lip-out (in Beijing) away from where I was (in 1997) and that meant a lot to me because I was good then.

“We had some good battles round about then – he got me in two US Opens and I beat him in a play-off in Sun City in South Africa and just managed to get out of there alive! – and he knows how I can play.

“He would have seen a very different Monty over the last few years but not now, this is different now.”

Montgomerie was disappointed not to move up from 54th in the world rankings last week as he attempts to get back into the top 50 and qualify for the US Open at Pinehurst in June.

The seven-time European number one has been in consistent form this season, with a record of second, 11th, fourth, sixth, fourth and sixth on the European Tour.

He also carded a second-round 64 to finish fifth in the Nissan Open in Los Angeles, an event reduced to 36 holes because of bad weather.

“I know there isn’t really a 51-place difference between me and Ernie but unfortunately that is what it is at the moment,” added Montgomerie. “I know I will get that back. I’m determined to get it back.”

Montgomerie is among the early starters in tomorrow’s first round at Tomson GC, which also features the likes of Els, Nick Faldo, Paul Casey and Luke Donald.

“I’m off early so I’m going to wake up for the Chelsea v Liverpool game which finishes at 4.45am and I’m on the 5am bus,” Montgomerie added. “It’s ideal timing.”