The record books will show that Ernie Els won the Open Championship the last time it was staged at Muirfield in 2002, beating Thomas Levet in sudden death after an initial four-man, four-hole play-off also involving Steve Elkington and Stuart Appleby.

Colin Montgomerie found himself in a late dash to make his tee-off time at Wentworth today – and four hours later was very glad he had done it.