 Montgomerie came home in 40, including two double bogeys |
Colin Montgomerie was Britain's most notable casualty as he slumped to a five-over 77 in the first round of the 88th USPGA Championship at Medinah. The 43-year-old Scot, still searching for a first major win, went out in 37 but came back in 40.
But England's Nick Dougherty fared worse with an eight-over 80.
Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell carded 75, while England's Paul Broadhurst, Paul Casey, Simon Kahn and Greg Owen all shot two-over 74s.
Wales' Bradley Dredge also struggled to three over but there was better news for England's Anthony Wall, John Bickerton and Justin Rose and Wales' Stephen Dodd who posted slightly more respectable 73s.
Montgomerie, playing in America for the first time since he lost the US Open by double-bogeying the final hole, had four birdies but also five bogeys and two double bogeys for an opening 77 for the second straight year.
Dougherty, 29, was two shots off last place after amassing eight bogeys, one double on the short 17th and two birdies.
He missed the cut on his USPGA debut last year and is likely to receive another weekend off.
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