Montgomerie is determined to end his wait for a major next week

Montgomerie, who has struggled this season, was on the brink of a maiden major win at last year's US Open before he double bogeyed 18 to lose by one.

But, after his showing at Celtic Manor, he said: "I know what I'm doing now.

"I'm more comfortable than I was going to the US Open last year and my appetite is as strong as ever."

Montgomerie's closing round was not enough to contend for the title, following a third-round 73, but it was a welcome return to form for a player who has gone 18 months without a victory - his longest barren run for 16 years.

I've had a dreadful time the last few months, but now I'm feeling good again Colin Montgomerie

"My golf couldn't go on like it was," he said. "Something had to change. It couldn't get worse - not for someone, shall we say, of my ability.

"I've had a dreadful time the last few months, but now I'm feeling good again."

The 43-year-old will now have a further warm-up ahead of the US Open at the BA-CA Open in Austria, with the aim being not to erode the positive feelings gained from his Welsh outing.