Montgomerie buoyant after boating holiday

Colin Montgomerie resumes his love affair with the Volvo Scandinavian Masters at Kungsangen today, insisting that a holiday spent messing about in boats in Naples has recharged his batteries.

A total of 36l winless days have passed since he took the Swedish title for a third time but he claims he is over his physical and mental tiredness after the Open and ready to record his 27th Tour triumph.

If the Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance is worrying about his form and that of Lee Westwood and Paul McGinley he should not be, insists the 39-year-old Scot.

"Lee and Paul are struggling a bit and so am I but it's seven weeks to the match against the Americans and a lot can change in that time."

Montgomerie, who followed a second-day 64 with a horrific 84 at Muirfield, admits the swing which earned him seven successive European No1 titles is not what it was: "The ball was always left to right but now the odd one goes the other way and that little bit of doubt can throw you. But the boating holiday in Italy was just what I needed. It's important I compete before the US PGA in two weeks; it's been a year since my last win but I had two seconds in May and having a victory under my belt to take to the States would be wonderful."