‘One of the best courses I’ve ever played’

Mark Garrod

The Nissan Irish Open is being staged at Carton House in Co Kildare, which opened only in August 2003 and which Montgomerie admits "can be scary in some weather conditions." With pot bunkers and a links-style lay-out the course set looks to be a stern test even for the cream of European golf.

"I've 155 potential critics, but it has been ranked the number one new course in Europe, never mind just Britain and Ireland, so double bogeys aren't my fault," said the Scot.