Monty calls for golf ball changes

Montgomerie wants an end to ever-increasing length off the tee

Colin Montgomerie has called on golf ball manufacturers to make changes to limit the distances modern-day players are able to acheive off the tee.

Montgomerie is set to play in the PGA Championship at Wentworth which has had 310 yards added to the par-72 after a redesign by Ernie Els.

"The ball's going further and further - changes like this are almost demanded.

"I wish we could control the length of the golf ball and it would save this happening," he told Radio Five Live.

Els has also added 30 bunkers to the course, and Montgomerie said the changes were inevitable.

"It had to be done - the new owners wanted 300 yards on it, Ernie did and I think we all did," added Montgomerie.

"It's a shame in many ways because it has changed the course, but then again it's been very well done.

I've got to practise and play more to get out of the hole I've got myself in Colin Montgomerie

"We can't keep on borrowing land from people's gardens around the Wentworth estate - the easy option is to change the golf ball to make it go less far, to put a speed limit on it if you like.

"That's what we need to do but obviously the manufacturers haven't got together to make that possible."

Montgomerie also admitted his recent poor form was a cause for concern ahead of September's Ryder Cup.

"It's very important that I get going," he said.

"This could kickstart my season - and it needs it.

"Everything's about 75% - I'm missing too many fairways, I'm missing too many greens, I'm chipping poorly and I'm not making my putts and that adds up to two or three shots a round.

"It's a fine line and that line is going against me this year when it's gone for me over the last 15 years.

"I've got to practise and play more to get out of the hole I've got myself in. I can't just stop and say 'I've had enough'. I've never been that way and I've never given up."

Live TV coverage of the PGA Championship will be on BBC Two and BBC One from 25-28 May.