Montgomerie: Only myself to blame

Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie joked that he should walk the plank for his performances in the Open.

The 47-year-old Scot shot a final-round 73 to finish four over for the 139th edition of the tournament and with the event not likely to return to the Home of Golf for another five years at least he admits it could be his last on the famous Old Course.

"I'll never pause on the bridge - that is only for winners," said the eight-time European number one, whose best Open performance came at St Andrews five years ago when he was second to Tiger Woods. "There is sort of a plank on the right-hand side and I should walk across that and not use the bridge."

He added: "This will probably be my last Open here as I'll be 52 when it comes back here, if it does come back here.

"Having to go down to Sunningdale and qualify at 52 would be a better effort than doing it at 47 (as he did this year for a 21st successive Open appearance).

"That is my fifth Open here and I've enjoyed them all and I look forward to playing next year down at Royal St George's."

Montgomerie was hugely disappointed with his display this week, blaming his putting for most, if not all, his problems.

"My performance doesn't take long to analyse. I didn't putt well," he said. "I'm getting fearful on the greens - why I don't know because I'm hitting the ball as hard as I used to but the ball is not going in.

"The belly putter (he turned to for his opening round) was lucky it lasted a day. It doesn't matter what implement is used, it unfortunately is the person using it who is to blame.

"To play four days is always important but it is disappointing I never competed or contended here in any shape or form."