Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie targets first major

Monty believes his game is good enough to win a Major

Colin Montgomerie insists he retains the desire to play at the highest level and believes the absence of Tiger Woods may help him win his first major.

Monty, who will captain Europe's Ryder Cup team at Celtic Manor in Wales later this year, told BBC Scotland: "I'm 46 now and must admit it's getting harder.

"It makes it more difficult when Tiger's playing, but if he's off then it gives us all a chance.

"I know that if I bring my best to a course then I have a chance."

Monty has finished runner-up in majors on four occasions, including the 2005 Open at St Andrews, where he trailed Woods by five shots.

If I play well then I know I can win, that's why I'm still competing at this level Colin Montgomerie

The Scot, an eight-time Ryder Cup veteran undefeated in eight singles matches between 1991 and 2006, will resume his full focus on the European Tour after facing the USA at Celtic Manor.

And, despite scaling back his playing schedule this year to concentrate on his captaincy in Wales, he will be playing at the US Open, Open and US PGA.

"I've got the three majors coming up; I'm not playing at Augusta but I'm in the next three and am looking forward to playing in them," he said.

"If I play well then I know I can win. I've just got to play well, I used to win while not playing my best but now I have to play my best. I know that if I bring my best to a course then I have a chance.

"That's why I'm still competing at this level."

World number one Woods is taking an indefinite break from the game to sort out personal problems but speculation is growing that the 14-time major winner will return within the next month.