The Golf Watch

Montgomerie's former caddie joins Martin at Scottish Open

Mike Aitken of The Scotsman reports that Colin Montgomerie's longtime caddie, Alastair McLean, will caddy this week for Pablo Martin, a rising, young Spaniard at the Barclays Scottish Open.  Aitken writes, "Since contracts are not a part of the bond which links caddies and players, the young Spaniard and the seasoned Scot will need to discover how they prosper in one another's company before deciding whether or not to form a long-lasting partnership."  Monty fired McLean prior to the US Open at Oakmont.

Montgomerie wins 31st European Tour event

Colin Montgomerie ended a 19-month absence from the winner's circle yesterday with a win in the Smurfit Kappa European Open at the K Club yesterday.  Monty ousted Niclas Fasth, who won the BMW International two weeks ago.  "Now I can look forward to Loch Lomond and also to Carnoustie. I feel there is a new career in me," said Montgomerie after his win. 

Montgomerie hires Casey's former caddie

According to Reuters, Colin Montgomerie has hired Paul Casey's former caddie, Craig Connolly, to caddy for him at this week's French Open in Paris.  Connolly and Casey split up after this year's U.S. Open, where the Englishman finished T-10.  Monty fired his longtime caddy, Alastair McLean, prior to the U.S. Open at Oakmont. 

Montgomerie remains hopeful

PGATour.com Senior Correspondent Dave Shedloski writes that although Colin Montgomerie is almost 44 and still has not won a major championship, the world's 40th ranked player "hasn't brought any white flags or dark thoughts to Oakmont Country Club."  Montgomerie has not played well in the United States this year with missed cuts at the Masters and Players Championship, and has only two top-10s in 14 starts on the European Tour.  In addition, Montgomerie has parted ways with long-time caddy Alastair McLean and has hired a local caddy for the US Open.  Despite this, Montgomerie remains eager to win his first major this week. 

Montgomerie fires caddy

Alistair Tait writes on golfweek.com, "Sometimes I wonder what planet Colin Montgomerie is on."  Tait reports that Montgomerie has parted ways with longtime caddie Alastair McLean after a poor showing at the Austrian Open, where he missed the cut after being 5-over after the first two rounds.  McLean has been with Monty for over 10 years and was the one who told him to hit 6-iron last year on the 72nd hole at the U.S. Open.  Monty hit 7-iron and made double bogey, finishing one stroke behind winner Geoff Ogilvy.  "Can you imagine Tiger Woods sacking Stevie (Williams) heading into a major," writes Tait.  It is expected that Monty will hire a local caddy this week at the U.S. Open. 

Montgomerie hopes Oakmont will be different

Norman Dabell of Reuters reports that "Colin Montgomerie is convinced his poor run of form this year has ended just in time for next week's U.S. Open at Oakmont."  Montgomerie had his best two rounds of the year last week at the Wales Open with scores of 64 and 63.  Dabell writes that the stellar performance has convinced the former eight-time European number one that he could be a threat at the second major championship of the year.  Montgomerie finished last year's tournament at Winged Foot with a double-bogey on the final hole, leaving him one stroke behind winner Geoff Ogilvy.  "I didn't finish it off last year but hopefully this year I can," said Montgomerie.

Read the full story here.