Defending US Senior PGA champion Colin Montgomerie believes he has ‘one up’ over the rest of the field as he returns to compete at Harbor Shores, Michigan - site of his 2014 triumph.
Also last year’s winner at French Lick, Montgomerie could become the first person since Hale Irwin, from 1996 to 1998, to win the Senior Major Championship three years in a row.
“When you come back to a place where you have won before, you do feel one up on the first tee. There’s no question,” the Scotsman said. “And I do, coming back here. I know my way around here, I know how to play the course because there is a way around here, and I managed it a couple of years ago.
“There’s no reason why I can’t do that again, it’s just a matter of the competition getting stronger every year.
“There are new guys coming out here that, by definition, are younger and fitter and stronger and as hungry as ever. So the competition’s increasing at the same time. So it’s a great place to try and ply one’s trade.
“It’s more fun, more relaxed and it is less tense. There are no big egos out here because everyone seems to have done what they do in the game. There’s no envy. Everyone seems delighted with everyone else’s success, so it’s a great place to play.”
Although the 52 year old has not yet won in 2016, the five-time Ryder Cup winner says he is on the right track to recovering the form which saw him win last year’s John Jacob’s Trophy for topping the European Senior Tour’s Order of Merit.
“My form hasn’t really been as good as I would like it to be,” he said. “But at the same time, last week I was second place walking off the 56th hole, so it can’t be that bad. I finished poorly, but at the same time there are things that are happening in the right direction.
“I’ve practised well here. I have a good draw, good times and two good friends in Kenny Perry and Rocco Mediate who I’m playing with over the first two days. I know them and the caddies very well and we all get on.
“I think that the golf course is in great condition. Everyone’s speaking highly of it again and there are a few new updates and changes on the golf course, which have been very positively seen by the players.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge of this week because the courses that are used in the United States, especially for the Major Championships, the four-round tournaments, are extremely good. I look forward to the challenges of these events.”
