Golf Central

It's taken him some time, but Colin Montgomerie apologised last night to a Sky Sports sound man that he lost his rag with at last week's European Open. The exchange happened during the second round on the 13th hole at the London Club, when Monty backed off his third shot because of a sound recorder that was pointed in his direction.

In what can only be described as a truly cringeworthy moment, Monty said to the technician, 'Do you have a problem here? You're here because of me, OK, remeber that.' Sky Sports commentator Ewan Murray described the incident as 'the most sickening minute I have experienced on a golf course.'  Granted, the grumpy Scot's said 'sorry,' but what was he thinking?

Love him or hate him, you can't deny the fact that Faldo had game, especially when it came to The Open. His maiden title came at Muirfield in 1987, where, after two years of rebuilding his swing, Faldo dealt with the bitter weather and gusting winds of the final day with 18 consecutive pars. Not spectacular by any means, but enough to squeeze past Paul Azinger and claim the first of what would be three Claret Jugs.

It took all my might not to go with Kenny Perry this week, but bookies have tightened their odds on him like it's going out of fashion, so I opted against him. I've mixed it up a little for this week's John Deere Classic...

D.J Trahan
D.J's back on my radar after some solid performances recently. With some low numbers in the past weeks as well as a finish for tied fourth at the US Open, you get the feeling that it's only a matter of time before he gets his hands on some more silverware...
Woody Austin
Forget those hideous shirts and concentrate on his golf for a moment. Austin's played 18 events this year and has made 14 cuts, including a second place finish at the recent Buick Open. He'll be there or thereabouts come Sunday afternoon.
Ryan Palmer
Trust me, or at least hear me out, when I say Palmer's due a good finish... maybe even a win. Ryan's shown some half-decent form this year, and I've just got a feeling that he's going to place this week.

I've got my own bleedin' website. Check out www.thebetdetective.com for the best odds...

Last Week's Tips
Steve Stricker - T18
Rocco Mediate - T18
Kevin Streelman - T27

'Ryder Cup vice-captain, Aze? No thanks, buddy... I'll be watching it on the TV, though.' That's roughly how we think Tiger reacted on the phone when Paul Azinger asked him to be vice-captain for this year's Ryder Cup at Valhalla.

You heard it right... the big cat has turned down the opportunity to be vice-captain against Europe in September because he's not on the team and insists that the event is about those taking part. 'The guys will have plenty on their minds. I wish them well and I'll be cheering loudly,' said Tiger, from his sofa, Budweiser in hand. We don't even think he'll bother watching it at all, to be honest...