Colin Montgomerie’s bid to make history at the US Senior Open Championship came up just short as he settled for second place at Del Paso Country Club in California, two strokes behind American Jeff Maggert.
The 52 year old, who was aiming to become the first player in Senior Major golf to win both the US Senior PGA Championship and the US Senior Open two years in a row, signed off with a four under par 66 for an eight under par total.
Maggert went one better with a final round 65 to claim his second Senior Major of the season, following the Regions Tradition in May.
Germany’s Bernhard Langer was tied third alongside New Zealand’s Grant Waite thanks to two weekend rounds of 68, while Englishman Barry Lane was tied 12th.
Eight time European Tour Order of Merit winner Montgomerie said: “Well I must admit, I thought to get to eight under would have been good enough, to be honest. All credit to Jeff Maggert for scoring what he's scored because four 68s was my target at the start of the week.
“I started with two 68s, had a 70 yesterday and 66 today. Eight under was my target, and I thought it might be good enough. Even at the start of the day, with five under leading, I thought eight might well be good enough. It's just unfortunate that it's come up a couple short. But that's nothing to do with me. That's Jeff Maggert's great play. And all credit to him.
“To come here tired, very tired, and to put a good performance up, it's always nice to, when you are defending a title, to defend it properly. I did more than that. I nearly got it here. So I'm thrilled with the way I'm playing.”
