Wentworth in need of water

Colin Montgomerie and Ernie Els had to work hard to survive the halfway cut in the BMW Championship at Wentworth today – and then made an urgent appeal for water.

Montgomerie birdied two of the last three holes and Els all three after falling in danger of an early exit from the European Tour’s flagship event.

The water they wanted was not for them, but for a course baked dry by the glorious sunshine.

Montgomerie, who probably needs a top 10 finish to earn an exemption into next month’s US Open, commented: “The 17th green is burnt. I’ve never seen it like it and it desperately needs water.

“Let’s have firm, fast courses, but they should be hosing the 17th now.”

The three-time winner was still flirting with an early exit when he missed the green with his third shot to the par-five last but he made a seven-footer to remain level par.

Els, who lifted himself to two under, commented: “Some of the holes are on the edge and the 17th is getting out of hand. It’s starting to make brown rings and they’ve got to be careful.”

Favourite for the title at the start of the week the world number three added after his 69: “I’ve got an outside chance. I lost the plot for a while, but also played really good at times and am not too far away.”

It has been revealed Els is ending his arrangement with the giant International Management Group to join former European Tour player Andrew Chandler’s International Sports Management.

Ryder Cup quartet Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley and David Howell will become stable-mates, but Els said: “I don’t want to comment about it too much, but a change is always good.”

In March IMG angered promoters on the US Tour by detailing the payments required to attract top players to special events and it is understood it did not go down too well with Els either.