WOBURN, England (AFP) - Colin Montgomerie, who sank the winning Ryder Cup putt last weekend, returned to the European Tour with a bump with only a late flourish keeping him in contention on the first day of The Heritage tournament.
Montgomerie went to the 17th hole seven shots adrift of the leaders but hit a birdie on the 17th and then holed a 35-foot putt at the last for an eagle to finish his first round on 71, one over par.
"We are all a bit tired after the Ryder Cup but with a three-three, I had a good finish," said Montgomerie who will start his second round on Friday four shots behind joint-leaders Graeme McDowell of Britain, Australian Nick O'Hern and Spaniard Jose Manuel Lara.
The three other members of the victorious Ryder Cup team, who are playing here, also had a disappointing day.
David Howell shot 71, Padraig Harrington a 72 while Ian Poulter carded a poor 77.
"Rubbish," was Poulter's verdict. "I had no touch and couldn't find my rhythm. It was a difficult day."