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Page last updated at 19:17 GMT, Thursday, 16 July 2009 20:17 UK

Lyle seeks Monty reconcilliation

The 138th Open, Turnberry
Date: 16-19 July
Coverage: Live TV coverage on BBC Two, Online and the Red Button, live on Radio 5 Live and text commentary online on all four days


Sandy Lyle and Colin Montgomerie

Sandy Lyle has extended an olive branch to Colin Montgomerie in an attempt to draw a line under their recent spat.

Monty was upset when his fellow Scot this week accused him of cheating during an event in Indonesia in 2005.

After apologising before the pair met at The Open at Turnberry, Lyle said he wanted an end to the dispute.

"I wasn't calling him a cheat in the first place. I haven't managed to have a chat with him yet. I think we need to sort it out," he said.

The controversy blew up when Lyle, asked if his own decision to walk off after 10 holes of last year's Open had cost him the Ryder Cup captaincy, brought up an incident at the 2005 Indonesian Open when Montgomerie appeared to take an incorrect drop in a bunker after a rain delay.

Montgomerie, 46, said his preparation for the Open had "obviously been disrupted" by the furore surrounding Lyle's comments.

We just both have to get together in a car park or wherever it might be and we'll sort it out

Sandy Lyle

Speaking on Thursday, Lyle said he was keen to draw the matter to a close, adding: "I'm waiting to get an opportunity for us to sort it all out but he keeps running away right now.

"I'm not trying to hide either so I would hope he'd be a man about it and come out and we'll have a word.

"We've known each other since the early 80s. When he first came on the Tour I was already established as a Tour player.

"I respect his game very much. I would never try to jeopardise his preparations for The Open - that would be the last thing on my mind."

Lyle said he bore his compatriot no ill feeling, adding: "Colin's had his issues over time. I didn't mention anything about cheating, I just said he had issues as well.

"We just both have to get together in a car park or wherever it might be and we'll sort it out."

Lyle carded a five over par 75 in his opening round at Turnberry, while Monty finished his first round on one over par after a 71.



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see also
Monty unhappy with Lyle apology
15 Jul 09 |  Golf
Golf on the BBC
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Open round four tee-off times
18 Jul 09 |  Golf
Turnberry gallery
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Memories of Turnberry
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