Time we ended Europe's major drought - Montgomerie

LOCH LOMOND, Scotland, July 13 (Reuters) It is ''unbelievable'' Europe has not ended its eight-year wait for a major championship victory, according to eight-times number one Colin Montgomerie.

''We have won five of the last six Ryder Cups and yet we cannot win a major,'' Montgomerie told reporters at the Scottish Open. ''It seems unbelievable one of that team cannot come through and win one on his own, myself included.'' Montgomerie said next week's British Open at Carnoustie would be the perfect moment for a European to get back in the winner's enclosure at a major.

''All credit to Paul Lawrie for winning the last one (at Carnoustie eight years ago). It's amazing that was the last European to have won a major,'' said the Briton.

''Let's hope that changes over the next week or so.'' Montgomerie, still striving to break his own major championship duck, said Zach Johnson's victory at the US Masters and Angel Cabrera's triumph at the US Open might be a sign of things to come next week.

''You wouldn't have had money on Johnson and Cabrera winning the first two majors of the year so it is, I believe, possible to beat Tiger (Woods),'' said the Scot.

Montgomerie believes straight driving and avoiding sand will be the keys to success at Carnoustie.

''If you keep out of the bunkers, you'll do well,'' he said.

''Any links course you need to stay out of the bunkers.

''You also have to put the ball in play off the tee because the greens are so much bigger on a links course than they are on a mainland course.'' Despite the obvious title threat posed by Woods, the 44-year-old Montgomerie said it was good the world number one would be competing next week.

''I am glad Tiger is making it across,'' said the Scot, who was runner-up to Woods at St Andrews two years ago.

''There was doubt that he wasn't making it through the birth of his first child but we are all glad he is coming over. Because it's like a Wimbledon without (Roger) Federer, it wouldn't be the same.'' REUTERS TB PM1010