Monty says he is better than ever

The 42-year-old has come second in four majors and been an inspirational figure in the Ryder Cup but seemed destined to end his career without a major trophy.

But he told BBC Radio Five Live: "I'm very ambitious and never been more so than having had success this year.

"It has given me added drive and added ambition to win a major now."

Montgomerie finished a hugely popular second to Tiger Woods in the Open at St Andrews in July, one of the highlights of a year in which he battled back from 83rd in the world to 15th following a slump in form coinciding with divorce and back problems.

I'm very keen to get going as soon as possible in these majors Colin Montgomerie

He was also runner-up to Ernie Els at both the 1994 (after a play-off) and 1997 US Opens and to Steve Elkington after a play-off for the 1995 USPGA.

"The door has been slightly open for me in these majors and I haven't quite managed to walk through it yet," he said.

"There's time on my side. I think I've got four or five years where I can press and try to win one.

"I'm more relaxed and I'm enjoying my life more than ever before. It's given me added ambition and drive to pursue my career.

"I'm very keen to get going as soon as possible in these majors to prove not just to everyone else but to myself that I can compete at this level.

"But if it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen. I won't lose sleep over it I can assure you."

Montgomerie was Europe's number one for seven straight years from 1993-1999.

He added the unprecedented eighth Order of Merit when he finished the season about �200,000 ahead of his nearest rival, US Open champion Michael Campbell.

And he revealed that he would not swap a single Order of Merit title for a major.

"No I would not. That question has been asked many times and I wouldn't change anything," he said.

"I'm very happy with eight Order of Merits."

And the seven-time Ryder Cup veteran hinted that he is contemplating the captaincy in Wales in 2010.

Ian Woosnam will lead the side at the K Club near Dublin next year with Nick Faldo given the honours for the 2008 event at Valhalla in Kentucky.

"Not many actually improve in their 40s so hopefully I can play in at least one more Ryder Cup - and then maybe I can help the team in other ways," said Montgomerie.