Martin Dempster: Something to smile about

WATCHING Colin Montgomerie play golf over the past couple of years has been far from enjoyable due to the fact he's found himself languishing among the also-rans more often than not in events.

It had got to the point, in fact, where you were starting to wonder just how long he'd be able to put up with such poor performances before deciding it was time to call it a day. Then, out of the blue, Montgomerie reminded us at Wentworth last Thursday that there is still a spark there as he stormed out in 30 in the opening round of the BMW PGA Championship.

What happened on the back nine seemed to suggest it was a flash in the pan, yet, fast forward to the end of the European Tour's flagship event, Monty claimed a share of seventh.

The future of European golf may be in safe hands with the likes of new world No 1 Luke Donald, Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer, Matteo Manassero, Rory McIlroy etc, but the sight of Montgomerie's name up near the top of the leaderboard can still create a welcome buzz.

The Scot is adamant he won't play on the Senior Tour. That's a great pity, especially as I was hooked watching Tom Watson win the US Senior PGA Championship at the age of 61 on Sunday night.