COLIN Montgomerie is doubtful for the US Open next week after quitting the Compass Group English Open after less than four holes today.
The world number nine was struck by the same back problem which forced him out of the eve-of-tournament pro-am at the Forest of Arden on Wednesday. He immediately returned to London and will see a specialist before deciding whether to make the trip to Southern Hills in Tulsa.
Already nine behind leaders Andrew Oldcorn after an opening 76, Montgomerie parred the 10th and 11th, but was in serious difficulty the moment he carved his drive into deep rough on the long 12th.
Droitwich's John Bickerton, birdied the third hole today, but faces a battle to make the cut as he tries to repair the damage of a first round 79.
The Vale Club's, Jeremy Robinson had a first day three-over-par 75.
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