Scotland steps up to big time

Colin Montgomerie begins his last tournament as a thirty-something today, just as the 20-year-old Zane Scotland makes his European Tour debut as a professional after an illustrious amateur career.

Montgomerie, 40 next Monday, could celebrate with his first victory of the season in the Diageo Championship at Gleneagles. Scotland plays his first pro tournament after deciding not to wait for September's Walker Cup match against the United States.

The £1.2m tournament is being played at the venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup. Last year the Australian Adam Scott won with a 26-under-par total and this time his main rivals are Montgomerie, Paul Casey, of England, and Spaniard Ignacio Garrido.

Scott partners Paul Lawrie in the first two rounds but Sam Torrance is doubtful due to a knee injury.