Montgomerie issues weather warning at The Open

Colin Montgomerie was first out in the final round of The Open this morning, and warns of “danger” lurking amid the links of Royal Troon

Montgomerie issues weather warning at The Open

Colin Montgomerie was first out on the course this morning in the final round of The Open at Royal Troon, as he had been in the first round on Thursday.

Montgomerie got The Open underway at 6:35 on Thursday, which seems a long time ago by now, and having finished the third round at the bottom of The Open leaderboard, the local favourite was first out this morning too – at a more civilised 7:40am - playing with marker Kieron Stevenson, the head pro at Royal Troon.

Completing his 22^nd Open, Montgomerie shot a respectable 76, four over par, with winds buffeting him around the testing Troon links.

With a total score at 17 over par Montgomerie won’t be challenging for the Claret Jug today, with Henrik Stenson leading at 12 under par with Phil Mickelson a shot behind, but the Scot issued some advice to the final pair before returning to the comfort of the Sky Sports studio.

“You've got to be wary of the people behind,” starts Montgomerie, 53, whose best Open finish was as runner-up behind Tiger Woods at St Andrews in 2005. “They can't be playing match play from the word go because suddenly somebody could creep up on them because it is dangerous out there.

“Stenson and Mickelson have pulled away. They're six shots clear but at the same time that can whittle away in a hurry. So we'll see. It will be a good battle but you've got to remember the guys behind them can still play.

“The front nine isn't as easy as it's been throughout the week. The wind is more across today than it has been. It's not helping really on any holes. Every hole is a crosswind, even on the back nine, so it's making it even more difficult. You're not going to see 31-37 for the two nines. You're going to see more two more even halves.

“It's unfortunate the weather plays such a pivotal role because it's been tough, very tough.”

Stenson and Mickelson tee off at 2:35 this afternoon.

Story courtesy of Mercedes-Benz, Official Car and Official Patron of The Open