Monty says love affair with home fans is better than ever

LOCH LOMOND, Scotland, July 11 (Reuters) New European Open champion Colin Montgomerie feels the affection he receives from his home crowd has reached new heights in recent times.

''Everything that's been written about me and been said about me ... has helped in many ways,'' the 44-year-old Briton told reporters on the eve of the Scottish Open. ''I think I have related in my past to everybody.

''I think everybody sees a human side to me and that's related within the general public so they can relate to me in that way. I think there's a genuine warmth from them and from me to them, more so than ever before.'' Montgomerie, who became the most successful Briton in European Tour history after he claimed his 31st win on the circuit on Sunday, said he first experienced a special warmth from the Scottish galleries during the 2005 British Open.

''I felt there was a certain warmth for me that I hadn't felt before in a major championship,'' said the Scot. ''Troon (in 2004) was great but St Andrews was different in 2005.

''I felt almost obliged to do well for them.'' Montgomerie, who soared to sixth in the order of merit thanks to Sunday's triumph at the K Club in Ireland, goes into the British Open warm-up at Loch Lomond once again chasing top spot in Europe.

''I know if I can do well here and win, I'll top the order of merit,'' he said. ''From 33rd three weeks ago to there is a bit of an effort.'' The eight-times European number one said his performance at the K Club had also catapulted him into the list of players who could harbour realistic dreams of landing the coveted Claret Jug at Carnoustie next week.

''It's nice, a personal treat for me, to go into Carnoustie as not just a wildcard as I was three weeks ago, as a probable contender,'' said the 1999 Scottish Open champion.

''That's a big jump from a wildcard to a possible contender.'' Reuters BJR VV2054