Hot Topic: Monty's moment - gone in a flash

What was that, Monty?

"What was that!" Three little words from the mouth of Colin Montgomerie as his approach shot to the 72nd green soared towards its target, just about summed up his US Open at Winged Foot.

He knew as soon as it had left the clubface of his 7-iron that the strike was going to lead to trouble just when his chances of at last taking a major title at the 99th attempt had never looked better.

With an outrageous 40-foot birdie putt on the penultimate hole he'd leapt past all but one of his rivals and needed merely a par at the last - with Phil Mickelson struggling behind him - to surely lift the ultimate crown or at worst force a play-off.

But on four over par for the championship he messed up, by his own admission.

He'd driven into the perfect position and needed only a smooth 6-iron into the middle of the green to claim a winning par, we thought, nervously from the edge of our armchairs.

But seconds after faithful caddie Alistair McLean had put the club in his hand and suggested 'nice and smooth, middle of the green' - Monty changed his mind.

He felt, under the pressure-cooker circumstances, an adrenaline rush could affect his swing - 6-iron might be too much. Best take that into account and hit 7-iron.

He snatched the 7-iron from the top of the bag as McLean shrugged his shoulders and stepped away.

After years at his side, he knew Monty was in no mood for an argument - not at the pinnacle of his ambition.

The TV pictures over the next few seconds said it all - a big fat divot and a weak slice into a thick grassy lie on a steep bank beside the green.

"What was that!" screamed Monty as the ball flew towards it sticky grave.

Horrible, horrible moments.

Ogilvy with US Open trophy

Mickelson duly crumbled, too, for which Monty can take mild consolation, but it must have been like déjà vu for the Scot, who has been second in majors on five occasions - including three times in US Opens.

Later he was philosophical and said he would be back again to try next year. He hadn't given up hope.

As usual the US Open gave us great drama over four days with Europeans - and Britons in particular - peppering the leaderboard.

The big surprise was the stoic determination of Kenneth Ferrie from Ashington, County Durham - the home town of Bobby and Jackie Charlton. After a great start to the tournament, having pre-qualified at Walton Heath last week, he stuck doggedly to the top of the leaderboard to share the lead going into the final round with Mickelson.

He refused to be fazed by the partisan Mickelson gallery, despite some misplaced chanting. And though he dropped vital shots towards the end, he did enough to proved to Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam that if his form continues he could be well worth his place in the team.

Of the rest, David Howell, Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke gave us hope early on before fading, Luke Donald came back strongly after a poor start, while Ian Poulter couldn't quite keep it going over the last few holes.

Padraig Harrington - all smiles through gritted teeth - briefly led down the stretch but faltered at the death.

It was a sad, anti-climactic end to an enthralling tournament, which promised so much for Britain and Europe but didn't quite deliver.

However, all will be even more fired up for the Open Championship at Hoylake next month and in particular for the Ryder Cup clash at the K Club in September.

What was that, Monty? Not quite the end of 36 years of hurt, since Tony Jacklin won Europe's last US Open, but at least a signal that Europe can dominate this event and with a little luck can claim that shiny cup the Americans hold so dear.

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