Monty fears missing Open

Colin Montgomerie fears he may be forced to miss next month’s British Open at Muirfield because of his continuing back problem.

The 39-year-old Scot was troubled by a recurrence of the injury at the Irish Open today and could now face several weeks out of action.

‘‘There is a grave doubt over whether I can play the next three tournaments,’’ Montgomerie told BBC Online after carding a one-under-par 70 in the final round at Fota Island where he finished four shots off the leaders.

‘‘I’ve been in trouble with the back for two-and-a-half rounds and now I’m going home to see whether I can play the next three weeks.

‘‘I just can’t get through the ball and to be just two-over for the last two rounds is a great effort.’’

The Open gets under way at Muirfield in Scotland on July 18, and it will be an anxious wait to see if Montgomerie will be fit to take part.

Before Muirfield there is the Smurfit European Open at the K Club, Dublin, starting this Thursday, followed by the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond, which begins a week later.