Montgomerie takes heart from the Norman battle

Colin Montgomerie today revealed how he has been inspired by the performance of Greg Norman in The Open.

At the age of 45, Montgomerie was becoming a fading force on the golf course, and it seemed like neither a career-defining major title nor a place in Europe's team to defend the Ryder Cup in Kentucky in September were within his grasp.

The Scot had even recently intimated he would pack away his clubs when he reached 52. But the winner of a record eight European Order of Merits admired the way 53-year-old Norman contended so defiantly during a storm-hit Championship here.

Montgomerie said: "It proves this game has longevity that other sports don't have. In other sports we'd be long gone. It proves if you keep yourself in shape like he's done, and are mentally aware, it's possible. He's got the shots, he's proved it over the years." Norman, the former world No1 and winner of two Open titles, was disappointed that despite starting the final round as leader he missed out on a fairytale victory and had to settle for a share of third place.

But he said: "A lot of people should take stock. No matter how old you are, if you really want to chase something, chase a dream, you can do it.

"Even though there's failure at the end of it for me, I still put myself in a position to really show a lot of other people that you can go and do something if you really want."