November 21, 2008 – Colin Montgomerie can feel his confidence returning after two impressive rounds at the UBS Hong Kong Open.

The Scot added a five-under-par 65 on Friday (November 21) to his opening 68 at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling to stay firmly in contention for the title.

Montgomerie’s seven-under 133 total left him just one shot off the pace being set by England’s Oliver Wilson and Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa after Friday’s morning session.

“When I was winning on a regular basis in the 1990s, I was confident of doing so,” said Montgomerie, who is looking for his first victory since July last year.

“So these two scores, 68-65, are good for me. I can gain some confidence from that, knowing that I can achieve what I think I can.

“So far it’s good scoring, nothing much wrong. I’ve had a couple of bogeys over the first two days, one yesterday, one today, and nine birdies. So that’s OK.”

Montgomerie – winner of the UBS Hong Kong Open in 2005 – said he was enjoying being back at Fanling.

“I feel very comfortable here. My wife is with me and that helps because on tour you’re away on your own so much. I like the city and it’s amazing how you play well in a place that you enjoy being in.

“This course is more suited to my style of play. It’s not one of those American style, bomber’s type courses that we tend to play a lot. Here it is more about shot making and accuracy and I like this particular style of play.”

Montgomerie, 45, has made no secret of his desire to stay competitive on the European Tour into his 50s.

“I’m lucky in that this is my 23rd year [as a professional] and I’ve stayed injury-free probably because I haven’t been bashing golf balls around the world. I haven’t practised as much as some, I’ve relied on a more natural way of playing the game.

“I’ve only ever missed one tournament through illness – that was the German Masters this year when I dislocated my shoulder. I’m very lucky, health-wise.”