Monty's task made more difficult

Colin Montgomerie knew the size of the task facing him when he resumed the Volvo PGA championship in joint 23rd place at Wentworth today. And it soon got bigger.

Montgomerie had to climb to fifth place – and probably higher – over the closing 36 holes to earn a place in next month’s United States Open and so extend his run of 49 successive major appearances, but when he bogeyed the third hole he was already down to 36th spot.

That he still had a chance represented a upturn in the 40-year-old Scot’s fortunes after the misery of a 128th place finish in Germany last week, his lowest placing since his very first European tour start in 1987.

Montgomerie’s sombre mood, caused not by his golf but the break-up of his marriage, has also left him needing to qualify for the Open at Troon at present.

He had to win the PGA title for the fourth time to change that, but the US Open spot was a much more reasonable target.

“My expectations are low – very, very low,” he said, but he also stated two 65s were well within his capabilities and that should certainly be good enough for Shinnecock Hills.

Among those who went past him was Jose Maria Olazabal after a 68, the Spaniard having survived the halfway cut with nothing to spare.

Twice Masters champion Olazabal is resigned to having to qualify for a major for the first time in his life and despite the score he is still concerned by his form.

“My iron play is still not good,” he said. “That’s been the main problem for almost two years. I hit very few good shots and I’m not in the situation where it can just click. That happens when you are not far off.”