BBC SPORT | Funny Old Game | Wear your Monty with pride

American golf fans are snapping up "Be Nice to Monty" badges ahead of the forthcoming US Open.

The emblems were the brainchild of US magazine Golf Digest, in a bid to put an end to the heckling that has dogged Colin Montgomerie in recent years.

And the campaign has the full support of the big man himself.

Monty said: "I think those at the magazine were obviously embarrassed by what happened in the Ryder Cup at Brookline three years ago.

"I think the whole golfing world was. They're trying to bring etiquette back and using me to that end is fine - anything positive on my behalf is nice."

The 38-year-old Scot was subjected to a torrent of abuse during the ill-tempered contest at Brookline and he continues to be a target for a small minority of boo-boys.

Ovation

After being taunted once more during February's Accenture World Match Play Championship in Florida, Monty vowed never to cross the pond again.

Tiger Woods
Oh pleeeease, Woodsy

But he had a change of heart and was pleasantly surprised by the reception he received at the Masters last month.

"To be given a standing ovation at the 18th meant a lot," he admitted.

And with 25,000 I Love Monty badges due to be distributed at Bethpage, he can expect more of the same at the US Open.

If the badges prove to be a success, they could become as big a fashion accessory as the Pringle jumper.

Nick Faldo could choose a 'Help the Aged' message, while new-man John Daly might opt for 'Mild Thing'.

But by far the biggest seller on the tour would feature a picture of Tiger Woods and the slogan 'Give us a Chance!' - everyone would want one.