Not thinking is best for Monty

Montgomerie believes he could have done better

Colin Moffat BBC Sport Online at Loch Lomond

Colin Montgomerie believes he has found the secret that will see a return to the form that made him the dominant golfer in Europe for so many years.

The 39-year-old Scot carded a heartening 66 in the final round of the Scottish Open and said: "I am just not thinking of anything at all."

Monty has suffered from back problems and a loss of the old consistency that pushed him to the top of the European Order of Merit.

He had an indifferent opening three days at Loch Lomond but gave the home support something to cheer with a closing round of 66.

That's the best I've played for many, many years

Colin Montgomerie

"I was told by my coach just to go out and play golf," he said.

"When things are not going well, you start to think about your game, but when I was winning I just went out and played. Golf was really easy.

"That's the best I've played for many, many years."

However, the Loch Lomond champion of 1999 is seldom satisfied with every aspect of his game.

"To shoot a 66 and miss that many putts is criminal," he said.

"I have never ever missed nine putts under 15 feet and scored 66 before and a lot of them were closer than that.

"But it's certainly my best round for a long time.

Once I get to Muirfield, it should be okay

Colin Montgomerie

"I used it as a practice round for The Open. So, once I get to Muirfield, it should be okay."

A missed green at the 16th cost him his only bogey on a day that included an eagle at the par-five 13th.

The big Scot had been struggling with his driving and normally assured iron play but will take heart from this display and head to next week's Open Championship at Muirfield with a timely boost to his confidence.

Of the other early starters on Sunday, Sweden's Niclas Fasth demonstrated that low scores are possible on a dull, overcast day when Monty suggested the course was playing at its easiest.

The Ryder Cup team member equaled the best score of the week with a 65, shooting seven birdies after a dropped stroke at the third.