Torrance talks up Monty's chances

The 138th Open, Turnberry
Date: 16-19 July
Coverage: Live TV coverage on BBC Two, Online and the Red Button, live on Radio 5 Live and text commentary online on all four days

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Monty hopes Turnberry will witness his first major success

Sam Torrance has backed Colin Montgomerie to record his first major victory at The Open in Turnberry.

With nine Scots in the field for this year's Open, Torrance believes home fans may be able to cheer on a few compatriots this week.

"You know who might surprise everyone? Monty. He's trying to go under the radar saying he won't win again," Torrance told BBC Scotland.

"That's rubbish; he can win again and he can win here."

Torrance added that Monty, 45, knows Turnberry "like the back of his hand" and that it was virtually his home course.

Monty has said his preparations for The Open were disrupted by the spat with Sandy Lyle after his fellow Scot accused him of cheating at the 2005 Indonesian Open.

Lyle has apologised for flagging up an incident where Montgomerie appeared to take an incorrect drop in a bunker after a rain delay.

Torrance thinks Monty can prevail

And the Ryder Cup captain said he was unhappy the controversy had affected his focus ahead of Turnberry.

But Torrance said the spat would not derail Monty's Open hopes.

"Nothing was right about it, so let's just forget it," said Torrance. "It's gone, totally. Monty's here to play in The Open."

Nine Scots will feature at Turnberry this week, including Martin Laird, and Torrance said he was looking forward to seeing the Arizona-based player in action.

"I don't know much about Martin, but he's obviously very good," said Torrance.

"He went to college in America and got his card, which is no mean feat; then finished 10th last week at Loch Lomond.

"I'm looking forward to watching him play this week."

Torrance said Tiger Woods was the favourite to win The Open, but he refused to rule out Lee Westwood or Sergio Garcia.

"Garcia is a phenomenal player who hasn't been putting great," he added.

"They're quite small greens here and very true. If you're hitting greens, you're going to have a lot of birdie chances.

"That will help Garcia and Westwood, who hasn't been holing everything either.

"I've never seen an Open venue in such good condition. There's lots of rough out there, but the fairways are quite generous."