Montgomerie admits he has spent a lot of time on the practice greens

The Scot finished second in 1994 and 1997 but conceded he cannot hope to match those performances unless he improves his play on the greens.

The Winged Foot greens are notoriously difficult, and Montgomerie said: "I cannot get away with it this week.

"My putting is not as good as it used to be and I've got to get it sorted out. I must hole out."

Montgomerie fell away at last weekend's Austrian Open after failing to capitalise on his chances on the greens.

The Scot began the final round three shots back but pulled himself into contention with three successive birdies from the second.

However, he could not maintain his momentum at the turn and shot a 43, including two double-bogey sixes and three other dropped shots.

Montgomerie feels his driving and iron play have taken massive steps forward but knows it is not enough to challenge the elite field at the US Open.

"My long game is good enough now," said Montgomerie, 42. "I've got it right back where it was 10 years ago.

"The long game is that good I got away with it in Austria - but that won't happen this week."

Montgomerie tees off his US Open campaign alongside Americans David Duval and John Cook. The Scot finished well out of contention and 13 over for the tournament at Pinehurst last year.