
Colin Montgomerie duly wrapped up his record eighth European Order of Merit title here on Sunday, but blew his chances of winning the Volvo Masters after an error-strewn final round.
That honour went to Ireland’s Paul McGinley who followed his superb 65 on Saturday with a bogey-free 67 to steal in for a two-stroke victory over Sergio Garcia. It was the biggest win of the 39-year-old Dubliner’s career.
New Zealander Michael Campbell, the only player at the start of the day who could have prevented Montgomerie from winning the tour title, never threatened with a disappointing 72.
Montgomerie’s Order of Merit win caps a magnificent comeback year for the 42-year-old scot who fell as low as 83rd in the world rankings in the spring before revitalising his career following a second place finish at the British Open in July.
It comes six years after he won his last tour title in 1999 at the end of an unprecedented seven-in-a-row run.
Montgomerie said that after an emotional past year, to win the Order of Merit once again was a huge tonic.
“All credit to Paul McGinley for winning, but I had my own Volvo Masters to win today — and I did that,” said the Scot.
“I had a lot to lose this week and against the US Open champion who has had a great year. I was watching his score all the time as I was going around.”




