Woods pips Daly in play-off

The 42-year-old Scot has now overtaken Michael Campbell at the top of the money list with three events left.

"It feels fantastic to go top of the Order of Merit," Montgomerie said.

"I had a goal at the start of the week to overtake Michael and get some more Ryder Cup points, which I achieved. I can take it on next week in Madrid."

Montgomerie said he felt "very positive" about his week's work despite missing out on a maiden victory in the United States.

I would have taken third before we came so that's OK Colin Montgomerie

He opened with a stunning 64, led after two rounds and was one shot behind John Daly going into the final round.

He missed a series of birdie putts before eventually holing a 12-foot effort on the 17th to move within one of the lead.

But a poor chip from the greenside rough at the last finished 18 feet short and he missed it to drop back to eight under after a round of 70.

"I played great on the back nine and got nothing out of it," Montgomerie lamented.

"I hit some great shots in there and played it level par. It's disappointing really but I would have taken third before we came so that's OK."

World rankings and money lists

Montgomerie finished top of the European money list for seven straight years between 1993 and 1999.

He will compete in the Madrid Open starting on Thursday, skip the Mallorca Classic the week after and then return to Spain for the season finale, the Volvo Masters at Valderrama.

Campbell is scheduled to play in only one more European Tour event this season, the Volvo Masters.

Montgomerie has moved up to 14th in the world rankings after his performance in San Francisco, behind Padraig Harrington in 13th and ahead of Campbell (15th) and Luke Donald (16th).