Montgomerie dispels any doubts

Colin Montgomerie hesitancy to commit to next week's Ryder Cup at The Belfry seemed faintly ridiculous when presented with the lean and relaxed figure that bestrode the 11th, 12th and 15th fairways of the course he has designed at Carton House. There wasn't a hint of the back complaints that have pockmarked his season, the only spasms yesterday of laughter and bonhomie.

It is safe to assume that media dispatches of Monty's physical fragility, rumours that his participation in the biennial contest between Europe and America was threatened, can now be dispelled. It was initially the Scot who muddied the water somewhat with his assertion that he would not participate if he was not able to play all five matches in required.

His response yesterday to inquiries as to his wellbeing was unequivocal.

"I am the fittest I have ever been in my career. I have lost weight and done exercises that take a little of the strain off my back. I did say that I wasn't prepared to play in the Ryder Cup if I wasn't available to play in all five matches if Sam (Torrance) wanted me.

"I wouldn't have wanted to be sitting in the locker room after a morning's play and have to say that I wasn't able to go out that afternoon. We tried to win the Ryder Cup with nine players the last time and while we came very close, we didn't manage to do it. You need to have all 12 players available, not nine, not 10 or 11. Everyone has to be involved.

"There is no doubt in my mind that as of now I could play five matches. I will be going to the Ryder Cup. I'm really looking forward to it."

Of more immediate concern in a competitive golfing context is this week's American Express World Championship at Mount Juliet.

Montgomerie's ninth-placed finish at the Linde German Masters last week offered as much mental succor as physical evidence that his frame and his game are in excellent working order.

While not outwardly bullish about his prospects this week Montgomerie is quietly confident, acknowledging the presence of world golf's elite headed by Tiger Woods but also his contentment about playing a course he enjoys. "I probably should have won a couple of Irish Opens at Mount Juliet.

"I remember the time that Sam Torrance won. I think I was leading by a shot going down the 17th on the last day and ended up finishing six, five or something ridiculous like that to lose. I enjoy playing there.

"Possibly one of the reasons is that I have had holes-in-one at both the 11th and 14th (note to readers who like a flutter: back Colin Montgomerie to have a hole-in-one) which are in view of each other."

The fact that Woods will be present, far from casting an intimidating shadow, is a presence that galvanises Montgomerie, just like it will in the Ryder Cup.

"If you asked any of the European players on the Saturday night who they would like to play the following day (in the singles) the response would be the same; Tiger Woods.

"You'd have nothing to lose. The fact that a match is over 18 holes, a relatively short contest, means that there is the potential for an upset. Over four rounds in strokeplay it is a different matter. You always want to test yourself against the best."

Montgomerie had flown into Dublin and driven himself to Carton House to cast an eye over the layout that he has designed, a second course on the estate to go with Mark O'Meara's creation. The Scot's course could not offer a greater contrast to the American-design parkland texture of the O'Meara course. Montgomerie's is an inland links, undulating fairways, cavernous bunkers, a riot of visual deception even from the centre of the fairway.

Although there is a little under a year to go to the opening, the greens are in stunning condition and the contours of the fairways easily discernible. For those who have walked the land there is already a sense of great anticipation. Montgomerie is proud of his creation and on yesterday's evidence it is not difficult to understand why.