Cool Montgomerie puts heat on rivals

13 April 2012

Colin Montgomerie made the perfect start to his "new career" with a one-shot victory in the Australian Masters in Huntingdale.  

The Scot closed with a three-under-par 69 to finish on a total of 278 - a shot clear of Australian Nathan Green.

It was the 37-year-old's first victory in Australia since the World Cup in 1988 - and he believed it was the ideal start to a new chapter in his life on tour.

"I feel as if I'm starting out on some new career here, and it's great to start off the year with a win," he said.

"I feel as though the batteries are recharged and I feel as if I can perform."

His achievement was made sweeter as Montgomerie was forced to come from five shots off the pace to secure his first title since last May's Volvo PGA Championship.

Australian Brett Rumford had begun the final day in front but faded to a four-over-par 76 and a share of third place.

Montgomerie's final-round move had begun steadily with only a single birdie separating eight pars on the front nine.

But the seven-time European number one's quest for the £66,000 first prize stepped up with a superb eagle three at the 10th, quickly followed by a birdie on the 11th.

And despite a bogey on the 14th, the Scot calmly parred his way in as others wilted in the hot northerly winds.

Montgomerie has admitted recently that the demands associated with a professional golfer's life had led to problems, now resolved, with his marriage.

But after a long break this early-season victory will have instilled in him confidence that his new-found balance between private and professional duties can propel him to greater riches.

And Montgomerie revealed that a change in gear, as well as a change in attitude, had proved crucial.

"I changed my putter overnight and I felt I gave the hole an opportunity," he admitted.

"It was a slightly heavier one than the one I used for the first three days and I got the ball to the hole a number of times.

"The putt at the 10th changed things. I hit a big drive down there and hit an eight-iron in and holed it for eagle and that was the turning point to go from mediocre to suddenly leading the tournament."

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