Monty waiting to learn full damage

Colin Montgomerie was going for an X-ray today to discover the full extent of the wrist injury which led to him pulling out of the Open.

In what has already, inevitably, been dubbed “The Fall Monty”, Europe’s seven-time number one tripped on a step going to breakfast at the Walletts Court hotel near Dover.

After playing seven holes of his first round in four over par, he hit one more shot and withdrew.

Montgomerie immediately said he would miss next week’s Irish Open at Portmarnock as well, but last night manager Guy Kinnings said that only when the result of the X-ray was known would final decisions be taken.

“There’s no point speculating at this stage,” stated Kinnings. “But I’m kind of hoping that because Monty was able to play at all it’s nothing more than a strain.

“Who knows about Ireland at this stage? It’s a tournament he was looking forward to, but this throws everything into confusion. It’s just hugely disappointing for him.”