Montgomerie is favourite

Colin Montgomerie is the bookmakers' strong favourite for this week's European Open at the K Club

Colin Montgomerie is the bookmakers' strong favourite for this week's European Open at the K Club. The Scot, who confirmed his status as number one in Europe by being the top European finisher in the USPGA Championship, is 7 to 1 to win.But anyone considering a wager on the Scot should note his comments after the final round at Winged Foot on Sunday. "My putting was particularly poor. I've got a lot of work to do before I play in the Smurfit European Open later this week," he warned.Defending champion Bernhard Langer is 10 to 1 to retain his title, which appears to be good value given his current good form. Costantino Rocca, who played so well in the first two rounds of the USPGA, is also priced at 20 to 1, particularly with his position in the Ryder Cup team not yet certain.With Darren Clarke missing this week, the main Irish money will be on Padraig Harrington who is on offer at 25 to 1.