Monty is tickled pink by the flamboyant Poulter

Pink-clad Poulter is joint-fifth alongside Montgomerie
13 April 2012

By DEREK LAWRENSON

Scot Colin Montgomerie and Englishman Ian Poulter are both far too professional to slag each other off in public.

But anyone who was at the London club yesterday to watch their compelling needle match within a match will only be too aware that not only do they bring the best out of each other, they see the worst in one another.

Pink-clad Poulter is joint-fifth alongside Montgomerie

Pink-clad Poulter is joint-fifth alongside Montgomerie

'I don't often go chasing a man dressed all in pink,' said Monty, after both had shot 67 to lie joint-fifth at the halfway stage of the European Open. 'There's bound to be a lot of chatter when you're playing a man in pink.'

There was certainly plenty of that, Poulter might have responded. In fact, way too much, to judge by the gesture Poulter made to the crowd on one hole, indicating that Monty was all talk.

One example was at the 13th, where Monty wanted a camera buggy moved. When the cameraman indicated he was staying put, Monty told him: 'You're only here because of me!'

What did Poulter think of that? Perhaps wisely, he declined any public comment. Those who like blood sports will probably be disappointed to learn they will not be playing partners again today, despite finishing on the same score.

Nevertheless, these two great characters will be central figures in what promises to be a memorable weekend's golf. Englishman Ross Fisher did exceedingly well to show his opening round 63 was not a fluke, following up with a 68 for a one-stroke lead over Ulsterman Graeme McDowell.

Then there is the man in third place, just four shots behind. Sergio Garcia breezed round in 64 yesterday morning then motored down the road to Wimbledon to watch his close pal Rafael Nadal waltz into the men's singles final.

Has life ever been better than at present for Spanish sportsmen? Never mind the city of Liverpool becoming Spain-obsessed, as Nike's brilliant Fernando Torres advert currently suggests. Much more of this and we're all going to feel like wrapping ourselves in a red and yellow flag.

Without the hullabaloo surrounding Nadal or the nation's bewitching footballers, Spain's golfers have already made their contribution to the year of the matador.

Garcia himself won the biggest event on the U.S. Tour, Miguel Angel Jimenez the biggest on the European Tour, while Pablo Larrazabal proved he's no slouch either in putting his way to victory in the French Open last week.

Now Garcia has entered the month where he has unfinished business, and looks in prime form to make up for last year's savage Open disappointment.

Montgomerie had a laugh about Poulter's garb

Montgomerie had a laugh about Poulter's garb

If he wins this European Open, there is no doubt who will start favourite in the Tiger-less showpiece at Royal Birkdale in less than a fortnight's time.

Mind you, it's a commentary on the standard at the top of European golf these days that, even after a 64, that's still a pretty big if.

As the Americans say, these players are really golfing their ball. The par-fives might offer scoring opportunities and the greens are like carpets.

But the London club is far from a pitch and putt. With a leaderboard this good, there is every prospect of the tournament marking its return to Britain after 13 years in Ireland with an exquisite finish.

The sub-plot over the next two days is the race for Ryder Cup places, and what a pivotal weekend it could be in that regard. Garcia is hanging on by a hair's breadth to his automatic spot while McDowell, in 11th spot with the top 10 qualifying, is the man pressing his nose enviously against the glass.

With Soren Hansen, eighth in the table, continuing his excellent form of last week to stand on eight under, it is Nick Dougherty (currently level par) and Justin Rose (two under) who suddenly look vulnerable. Then there's Poulter and Monty. What will they come up with over the last 36 holes?

Garcia and Nadal met on a tennis court for the first time last year. Who won, asked one cheeky soul? 'What kind of question is that?' Garcia replied. 'Of course I won. What on earth has he ever won?'

How good to see Garcia enjoying the banter, at peace with himself once more after last year's torment. McDowell confirmed as much.

'I've not played much with him before but he has such a relaxed attitude on the course, and it can only inspire you,' he said. Now you know why they queue up to partner Garcia at the Ryder Cup.

As for the two leaders, having shown they are in prime form over the first half of the tournament, the second half becomes a test of nerve. Fisher is not getting carried away.

'Obviously you get loads of confidence from leading such a quality field,' he said. 'But you do have to say to yourself: "Hold on a minute, we're only at halfway".'

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