Monty’s numbers game

COLIN MONTGOMERIE tests himself with his 37 times tables prior to every important round of golf.

He believes it helps him relax and was doing it in 2002 before his name was called and he went into Ryder Cup battle - successfully as it transpired - against Scott Hoch in the crucial opening singles.

He may well use the strategy again before the end of the week but for now he is focusing on one figure, 14½, the number of points Europe need to beat the Americans in the Ryder Cup.