Monty hopeful of win
Colin Montgomerie believes he has a good chance of winning his first major at Carnoustie despite missing the cut at the Scottish Open last week.
The 44-year-old carries a lot of the home hopes as the Open Championship returns to his homeland again and he feels upbeat about that.
Only a fortnight ago he broke an 18-month drought with victory in the European Open at the K Club so he knows his game is in relatively good shape.
“I’m playing as well as I have – tee to green certainly – for many years,” said the Ryder Cup star. I have a chance, of course I do. I’m playing well enough.”
There are many factors which contribute to a successful Open campaign and, on links courses, the weather is one of them.
Montgomerie is hoping for a decent break when he tees off at 9.31am tomorrow alongside American Ryder Cup player Stewart Cink and Japan’s Toshi Izawa.
However, with the weather incredibly changeable – yesterday’s glorious sunshine was replaced by driving rain today – getting a clear run is all down to luck.
“I’ve got a good time in the draw and you just take it as it comes,” the eight-time Order of Merit winner added, as the rain continued to lash the press tent as he spoke.
“If I get off to a decent start tomorrow – by 11am if I’m a couple under par or something – then we can stay in contention. The start is very important to me and if I can get a decent first round I should be there by Sunday.
“It depends on the weather and if we are lucky with conditions. If this was tomorrow and I was out there at 9.30am and then it all clears up and dries up for the afternoon it could work in reverse. You don’t know.
“One just takes their chances with the weather on these links courses.”
