Monty enjoying World Cup tag

Colin Montgomerie has ranked Scotland’s Omega Mission Hills World Cup victory as a special moment in his career.

The eight-time Order of Merit-winner captured Scotland’s first World Cup alongside Marc Warren – the pair having finished runners-up last year – after edging United States’ duo Boo Weekley and Heath Slocum in a play-off.

“It was fantastic,” said the 44-year-old Montgomerie. “It has been a long time for Scotland to win the World Cup.

“We have been six times runner-up and last year Marc and I did the same thing, so winning in the play-off today was wonderful. When there is the title ’world’ before it, it means something very special.

“There was a lot of good teams here this week and it is delightful that we can come through and win and we are very proud.”

America had led the tournament throughout the first three rounds but were dislodged from the top when Warren sank a superb eagle putt on the 15th.

The USA were a stroke behind coming onto the 18th but they birdied to force a play-off.

Scotland had made a torrid start to that though when first Montgomerie and then Warren found bunkers at the first extra hole.

Thoughts of last year’s play-off defeat to Germany must have returned and when Montgomerie came out of the sand some way short of the pin it looked as though Scotland would miss out again.

But Warren remained calm to make a par putt from 12 feet and keep them in it before they went on to secure victory on the third extra hole.

The World Cup victory was even more welcome for Montgomerie considering his record during play-offs – his most famous defeat coming at the 1994 US Open.

Yesterday was only the second time he has come out on top in 12 shoot-outs for titles throughout his career.

But for Warren’s superb putt he could have added another near miss to that record and Montgomerie believes his 26-year-old partner is set for a great future in golf.

He added: “For someone to hole a putt on the last green from that distance to stay in the game is one for the future. I expect Marc to progress hugely in the world of golf.”