Monty withdrawal leaves US Open in doubt

Colin Montgomerie is uncertain for next week's US Open after pulling out of the English Open today

Colin Montgomerie is uncertain for next week's US Open after pulling out of the English Open today. The world number ninecompleted just three holes before a recurring back problem forced him to quit.

"I woke up this morning and it was really, really bad. I wasn't even able to put the tee in the ground properly," said Montgomerie.

"I tried, but I just couldn't play golf the way I can," added the former European number one who will seek the advise of a specialist before making the decision whether to travel to Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Montgomerie was nine behind overnight leaders Andrew Oldcorn of Scotland and Australian Adam Scott having opened with a four over 76. AFP