Sometimes, controversy is good for the game. But I think the Faldo-James thing has been negative for our Tour

Colin Montgomerie

"Let's hope the attention doesn't focus on Nick Faldo and Mark James. It has focused enough on the two," said Montgomerie.

"I hope that the focus is on the two if they happen to be on the leaderboard and not otherwise.

"I hope Faldo is on the leaderboard because he had a good week last week.

"He says he is not quite right under pressure yet which he was going into the last round one behind.

"But he will have learned from that experience and will be working hard to get on the leaderboard again.

Mark James has sparked a war of words

"Let's hope that attention focuses on them only if both of them are playing well."

Montgomerie is desperate to win his first Major on home soil.

He accepts the controversy at last year's Ryder Cup brought greater coverage for the sport, but says the Open must now provide a fitting return to "the home of golf".

"Sometimes, controversy is good for the game. But I think the Faldo-James thing has been negative for our Tour," said Montgomerie.

Fantastic

"The controversy at the Ryder Cup just makes the next one even bigger which is good for everybody in the game.

"We don't want those scenes again and I'm sure it won't happen. Everyone is anticipating a fantastic Open and it will be a celebration of golf at the home of golf.

"I feel it will be a very emotional time and everyone will remember the winner of the Millennium Open."