Another major disappointment for Montgomerie

Colin Montgomerie arrived at Augusta brimming with enthusiasm and he left on Sunday filled with disappointment after he let another Masters get away.

The 36-year-old Scot, who is still seeking his first major championship, entered this year's tournament expressing confidence that he might finally break through with a victory in a major.

Montgomerie, whose best finish here was joint eighth in 1998, was optimistic about his chances early in the week because he has been putting better after a recent lesson.

"You cannot win here putting badly," he said on Tuesday. "And I'm putting a lot better than I was. The only way to hole putts here is to be confident and I start this tournament filled with confidence."

But Mongomerie, the best player on the European PGA Tour for the past seven years, got a fast dose of reality as he opened with a 76 that left him tied for 54th place.

Montgomerie recovered with 69 on Friday but then struggled to a 77 on Saturday as horrible weather sent everyone's scores soaring. He managed to shot another 69 in perfect conditions on Sunday, but he still finished the tournament three over par.

While Montgomerie registered his first eagle ever on one of Augusta's par-5 holes on Sunday, he went away disappointed.

"I started off this week with great anticipation and as always I ended up with great depression," he said dejectedly.

"Here we are again," he added. "All I can do is try again next year."