Monty pips Ferrie to Links title Rankings and money lists

The Scot, 42, clinched the Dunhill Links event by one shot at St Andrews for his first Tour title for 19 months.

Montgomerie also climbed to the top of the rankings for next year's Ryder Cup.

"I'm not worried about the Order of Merit - I've got the T-shirt for that - but the Ryder Cup points are crucial," said Montgomerie.

The seven-time European number one had to rely on a captain's pick for the 2004 Ryder Cup after a slump in form as he went through a divorce.

He repaid captain Bernhard Langer with an inspirational display in the record victory at Oakland Hills but is desperate not to rely on a wildcard in Dublin next September.

"I want to be part of the team at the K Club," he said.

Monty and his fan club celebrate victory at St Andrews

The victory also boosted him from fourth to second in the Order of Merit behind New Zealand's US Open champion Michael Campbell.

Montgomerie trails Campbell by 126,416 euros (�86,000) in the European title race with four events of the season left.

"I don't need another Order of Merit, but if it happens, that's great," said Montgomerie, who won seven straight European crowns between 1993 and 1999.

The London-based Scot also climbed to 16th in the world rankings just nine months after slumping to 82nd.

But despite surpassing his goals for the year, after a thrilling second-place finish behind Tiger Woods at the Open at St Andrews in July, Montgomerie insisted that there was more improvement to come.

"The standards are improving on this Tour beyond belief. They're fitter and mentally tougher and here's me at 42 having to compete with that," said Montgomerie.

"[But] If I thought my best golf was behind me I would not enter tournaments. I would not bother - I would go into other areas."