‘I’ll take 65 anytime around here’

THE PAIR of them strolled contentedly off the final green together, arm in arm, as if it were a warm summer’s day and not a bitterly cold afternoon in September.

But that, of course, is a natural reaction when one member of the team has shot a seven under par 65 around the Old Course at St Andrews and the other has been privileged to watch it from the closest of quarters.

So the smiles on the faces of Colin Montgomerie and his film star amateur partner Michael Douglas told their own story.

Monty’s 65 sent him surging to the top of the Dunhill Links leaderboard and the team into a share of 11th place on 13 under par, meaning Douglas could make the cut for the first time.

“I don’t know how but I was six under after six. A left to right wind is very difficult. I just got the length of the second shots right. I knew it was going to be hard coming home and I managed to get my birdie at 14 and that was my banker. 17 was a great effort off the road and while I was unfortunate at the last, I’ll take 65 anytime around here. ”

The attention duly switched to Douglas. “This is one of the greatest experiences I’ve had since I became involved in golf. To watch Colin at six under after six in that 40mph crosswind was extraordinary. He was a joy to be with. It was a magical experience and one of the days I will always remember. I’ll tell my kids I played with Colin Montgomerie the day he shot 65 at St Andrews.”

Monty’s excitement was palpable and he was loud in his praise of his partner’s contribution. He claimed that Douglas “played great on the back nine. He had six pars coming home and that off a 16 handicap is very, very good. Michael has played this tournament a few times and hasn’t made the top 20 yet so the goal now is to make the cut which would be great.”

The significance of this week’s lucrative tournament isn’t lost on Montgomerie. “This is a big week for three reasons. The order of merit is coming up. There are a few tournaments left and of course there are world ranking and Ryder Cup points. You know how much I’d like to try and play in the Ryder Cup at least one more time and especially in Ireland.”