Monty on San Roque roll

Colin Montgomerie was soon back where he feels most comfortable – on a leaderboard – when the Spanish Open began at San Roque today.

Setting off on the back nine of the New Course, the 42-year-old Scot pitched to seven feet on the 10th hole and then birdied the 455-yard 14th as well to be in a share for fourth place.

At two under par, Montgomerie was one behind the early pacesetters - Portugal’s Jose-Filipe Lima, Spaniard Alvaro Quiros and Malaga-based Englishman Miles Tunnicliff.

Montgomerie, who last week ended a career-worst run of five successive missed cuts and went on to finish joint third in the Asian Open, is looking for his second Spanish Open title 12 years after his first.

Three of those early exits were in America, including the Masters, and the eight-time European number one does not mind admitting that he feels more comfortable on home soil.

“I have never really felt that comfortable in the States and therefore I have never won a 72-hole event there,” he said. “It’s something I’d like to change and I will I think.”

The biggest money-winner in European history – with over £16m (€23m) – has gone back to a belly putter, but it is seeing his name on a leaderboard which does most for his confidence.

Montgomerie said: “I was always comfortable being number one and less comfortable when I wasn't. There are some people who are not comfortable leading as they feel a bogey is on the way.

“I’ve dedicated myself to the European scene and I’ve been very successful at it. I don’t regret not having played (more) anywhere else.”

Montgomerie returned to the top of the Order of Merit after six seasons last year and does not rule out claiming a ninth crown this October.