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Monty delighted with Austrian start

08/06/2006

Colin Montgomerie admitted he was delighted to have shot a fifth successive sub-70 round on the first day of the Austrian Open at the Fontana golf club outside Vienna.

The Scot carded five birdies en route to an opening round 67 today to leave him just one shot off the early pace.

Starting from the tenth, the reigning Order of Merit holder dropped a shot on the par four 13th but then enjoyed an unblemished run in picking up two shots before the turn and then three more or the way home.

And speaking afterwards, he admitted: "My fifth score in the 60s in a row and I'm delighted.

"It was five scores in the 70s a month ago and I had a very poor March to May but my confidence is flooding back."

This return of his confidence and form is timely considering the US Open at Winged Foot gets underway in a week's time.

Meanwhile, of the other early starters today, Colombian Jorge Benedetti and Germany Sven Struver set the pace by shooting five-under-par 66s.

Montgomerie shares third place one shot behind the leaders with another Scot Alastair Forsyth, Frenchman Gregory Bourdy and Ireland's David Higgins.

Paul McGinley, Montgomerie's playing partner, struggled to find consistent form as he hit three birdies and three bogeys to close on level-par 71.

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