Monty harbouring Major ambition

Ryder Cup star Colin Montgomerie, still hopeful of winning a major after nearly 20 years of trying, signed a new “long-term” sponsorship deal with Aberdeen Asset Management today.

The details of the contract have not been released, but the eight-time European number one said: “In sport today anything that’s long term at 43 is great.

“I feel in a very fortunate position in that I honestly feel there is a lot of improvement left in me. I would not enter tournaments otherwise. I’ve held my nerve firm throughout my career – that’s not a problem – and I am fitter than I’ve ever been.

“Due to the lack of practice over the years I am actually only 33 and I feel there are many more years left in me. I look forward to winning again.”

Last year saw Montgomerie fail to taste victory for the first time since 1992, but only a closing double bogey denied him in the US Open at Winged Foot.

That was the Scot’s fifth runners-up finish in majors, a record for a player who has never won one.