Johnnie Walker Classic: Colin Montgomerie yesterday pleaded innocent to three allegations of bad behaviour at the dramatic end of the US Open on Sunday.

In the aftermath of the double-bogey finish that cost the 42-year-old Scot the chance of a first major title, it was reported Montgomerie threw a tee-peg at a child, pushed a police officer and snubbed the prize-giving.

"I threw a tee into the ground. It was towards somebody, but not at somebody," commented Montgomerie, who is back in Scotland this week for the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles.

"I just threw it into the ground because I was disappointed in my drive at the 17th.

"The accusation about the state trooper, he actually bumped me, not me bumping him. There was nothing in that at all.

"The prize presentation, I was asked and Jim Furyk (another joint runner-up) was asked to attend if it was possible even though we didn't have to. Jim Furyk and I had flights to catch."

Walter Driver, president of the United States Golf Association, drew attention to the absence of Montgomerie and Furyk at the ceremony, praising Phil Mickelson for being in attendance after he had double-bogeyed the last to be second as well.

Montgomerie returns to action at Gleneagles boosted after his US heartbreak by more than 1,000 messages from fans and fellow players.

His manager Guy Kinnings said more than 1,000 well-wishers had been on to the Scot's website and there had been almost 60 calls from players.

"It means a massive amount to me," commented Montgomerie before starting his pro-am round in rain and 35mph winds on the course that will stage the 2014 Ryder Cup.

"Even people around where I live have dropped in letters while they've been out walking their dogs or whatever. That they've taken the trouble to do that is really nice.

"To have players getting in touch is huge too. Of course I'm disappointed that I didn't win and that I messed up on the last, but for players I have a great deal of respect for to say what they have is a big boost."

The downside for Montgomerie, of course, is his age. He is 43 tomorrow and only a few players that old ever get into contention for a major, let alone win one.

"I am determined more than ever to try to get this thing done," added Montgomerie on his pursuit of a first major.

"I've said that not many players improve in their 40s, but I think I still can - I really do.

Meanwhile, England's Kenneth Ferrie has had some of the gloss knocked off his US Open performance by watching a television replay of the event on his return to Britain. The comments during Sky television's coverage of the last round were that Ferrie harmed his chances by being too hard on himself.

"I came home on a huge high and was a little bit disappointed by some of the comments," said the 27-year-old from Northumberland, who in his first major in America was joint leader with a round to go before slipping to sixth. "It's taken some of the shine off. They were basically saying that if I had had a better attitude I would have done better.

"I tried harder than I've ever tried. To lead was a huge, huge achievement for me and I feel I can hold my head very high."

Damien McGrane and Paul McGinley lead the Irish challenge at Gleneagles which also includes Peter Lawrie, Michael Hoey, David Higgins, Gary Murphy and Stephen Browne.