He is still looking. But Montgomerie told this website of his determination to return to the top of the game.

Which are the main areas of your game that you'll be working on for next season?
Definitely my putting to make it more consistent. Also, although I am probably fitter than I have ever been, I will continue to work hard on my fitness.

I would love to be asked to be Ryder Cup captain at anytime as I would consider it a great honour

Does your Order of Merit position and world ranking matter to you any more?
Very much. I am determined to get right back to the top. I especially want to ensure that I qualify automatically for next year's Ryder Cup matches through my rankings.

Do you still have the belief that you can emulate former glories, and even go on to win that first major?
I certainly do. I've just turned 40 and I look around at other 40-year-old professionals and they aren't doing too badly.
For example Vijay Singh won the US PGA Tour money list and Mark O'Meara won 2 majors after he turned 40.

How much does that question annoy you?
I do hear it a lot but I wouldn't say it annoys me at all. I can see why people wonder and I am delighted to set the record straight.

What would it mean to win the Open at Royal Troon?
To win the Open at any venue would be fantastic and to do so in front of my family and friends at Royal Troon really would be magical.

My main goal is to get the consistency back in my game

It is inconceivable you won't be in the Ryder Cup team - how much will the event be on your mind during the year?
It will certainly be one of my goals to qualify automatically for the 2004 Ryder Cup Matches but while I am playing in a tournament I will keep my mind focused on the task at hand.

You were so dominant at the 2002 Ryder Cup - how difficult is it to translate that aura of invincibility to the Tour?
I think the team has the aura rather than any of the individual players.

When do you see yourself becoming European Ryder Cup captain?
I would love to be asked to be Ryder Cup captain at anytime as I would consider it a great honour.

What will you be up to over the Christmas break and how much will you practice?
I am going to spend a couple of weeks in Dubai with my family. We will have a great time relaxing and I will definitely be practising on the golf course I designed out there - The Montgomerie.

What are your specific goals for 2004?
My main goal is to get the consistency back in my game.

If you could win just one more honour from this list - Ryder Cup, major title, Order of Merit, world number one - which would it be and why?
It is difficult to choose - probably not an Order of Merit as I have a few of those - either a Ryder Cup or a Major but I can't choose as I would love to win both.

Are you still enjoying your golf?
Absolutely!