OPEN NOTES
SANDWICH, England – There was a time when Colin Montgomerie was considered one of the favorites to win the British Open, having won the European Tour Order of Merit seven consecutive years.
Now, Montgomerie, still without a major victory or even a win in the U.S., has become more of a comedic figure, entertaining press conferences with the skill of a trained comedian.
Asked yesterday, on a scale of one to 10, what he felt his chances are to win this week, Montgomerie said, “If I didnt say 10, I shouldnt be here, right? So there’s your answer. I am here, so it’s 10. If I wasn’t here, it would probably be less than one.”
Asked if 10 was a realistic answer, Montgomerie said, “Yes. I’m realistically here.”
Asked when the last time he enjoyed a major championship, Montgomerie said, “Well, I’ve enjoyed parts of majors. Last enjoyed a major? My God, have I ever?”
Montgomerie’s image as an ogre has become a topic of conversation, too, since he was caught on camera a few weeks ago threatening a British photographer with a club at Forest of Arden.
“Of course I care about my image, yes, yes,” Montgomerie said. “I care because I’m a father and a husband and I’m a very public figure.”
Montgomerie told a local reporter earlier this week that he was sometimes appalled to see himself losing his temper on TV.
“When I witness one of those scenes I say to myself, ‘That cant be me.’ I can laugh at this character,” he said. “But I also feel an overriding sense of remorse every time the moody Montgomerie puts in an appearance. I am not remotely proud of him.”
* Kenny Perry, winner of three of the last four tournaments in which he’s played, including last week’s event in Milwaukee, said of Royal St. George’s, “I thought I was on the moon. I felt like I was on another planet.”
* The local oddmakers have Tiger Woods as the favorite at 11-4 with Ernie Els 7-1. Vijay Singh and Masters champion Mike Weir are both 16-1. U.S. Open champion Jim Furyk and David Toms are 20-1. Darren Clarke is the favored European at 25-1.
According to Ladbrokes spokesperson Balthazar Fabricius, there has been a surprisingly low interest in betting on Woods and a lot of late money coming in on Els.
“An Els victory would be most painful for us, because he’s received sustained support this week,” Fabricius said.
—-
CANNIZZARO’S PICKS
NICK PRICE: Experience, accurate tee shots and low ball flight are all critical on this course. Price has them all.
ERNIE ELS: Comes in hot with a win last week continuing a great year and has great, fresh attitude.
TIGER WOODS: Though he’ll be close and a factor, a fifth major in a row without a victory. Call for a straightjacket.
SERGIO GARCIA: His new swing is improving, as is his mental game.
JUSTIN ROSE: One of England’s most beloved young players has a flair for the dramatic at this event. He’s also got game.
NICK FALDO: For some of the same reasons Price will be a factor.
PETER LONARD: Because he seems to be getting closer to one of these majors.
KENNY PERRY: Perhaps the hottest player in the field, he arrives with confidence brimming.
