Montgomerie's putting has improved considerably

Montgomerie changed his putting style in the spring, and although he has yet to win he has had a string of good performances.

The Scot is currently ranked second for putting on the European Tour and he is understandably delighted by his improvement.

"When I was winning my order of merits [seven in total] I was never in the top 40. I remember winning once when I was 80th," said Montgomerie.

"If I putt well in Europe I am in contention - simple as that. And I am putting well and I am in contention and I am in Europe."

Alongside Montgomerie is double Open champion Greg Norman, who is now 47 but still hungry for success.

"My life has changed a lot and golf is not the be-all and end-all, but the fire in my belly and my determination are as strong as ever," he said.

"I'm not a believer in just going out there and walking round for the exercise.

"If you don't think you can win don't put the tee in on the first tee."

Ryder concerns

Ten of Europe's Ryder Cup side for September's match are playing in the tournament and to say it was a mixed day for them would be an understatement.

Swede Niclas Fasth, another to lose out in sudden death to Soren Hansen in Cork last weekend, matched Montgomerie's 69, but none of the others broke par.

Defending champion Darren Clarke might have been disappointed with his 74 but it was three better than Paul McGinley and eight better than Pierre Fulke, who lies dead last.

Europe captain Sam Torrance led early in the day at four under after 10, but had to be content with a 71.

Former winner Paul Way, no longer on the European Tour, stood three under with four to go, but twice double-bogeyed for a 73.

London left-hander Chris Gane, playing his first season on the circuit at the age of 28, raced to six under after 10 but fell away to finish level with Montgomerie and Norman on 69.

First-round Leaderboard

5 under - Darren Fichardt (Rsa), Jarrod Moseley (Aus)
4 under - Jorge Berendt (Arg), Michael Campbell (Nzl), Joakim Haeggman (Swe)
3 under - Sebastien Delagrange (Fra) Colin Montgomerie, Greg Norman (Aus), Niclas Fasth (Swe), Barry Lane, Chris Gane, John Dwyer

Selected Others:

2 under - Paul Lawrie
1 under - Sam Torrance, Sandy Lyle
Level - Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood
1 over - Ian Woosnam
2 over - Darren Clarke
5 over - Paul McGinley

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