Montgomerie: horror start
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Colin Montgomerie insisted he was proud of his battling display after his worst ever start to a tournament round.
The Scot played the first six holes in seven over par - including an air shot on the fifth - but covered the remaining 12 in two under to make the weekend.
At eight-over-par, Montgomerie is a long shot to contend over the last two rounds, but at least he has the chance to compete for Ryder Cup points after avoiding a total meltdown on Friday afternoon.
The Scot ran up a double bogey on the second, a triple bogey on the fifth and another double on the sixth, but then birdied the seventh, eighth and 17th in a round of 75 to finish eight over par.
"I hit two great drives on five and six and I end up scoring five over par for the two of them," said the 45-year-old. "Seven over after six, it's the worst start I think I've ever made in any event.
"At that stage you're not thinking about anything else than trying to play on Saturday. I stood on the seventh tee and put a good swing on a five-iron and almost holed it and thought 'Okay come on, we can do this. We're back to nine over now and the cut is going to be around about that.'
"In the end of the day I'm quite proud I managed to play the last 12 holes in two under, feeling the way I did walking off the sixth green, because that wasn't a great feeling, believe me."
Montgomerie is nine shots behind leader KJ Choi, but added: "The weather forecast is awful so if you can get out early tomorrow like I'm doing and score like Camilo Villegas you can get into position."
Poulter
Ian Poulter is England's closeset challenger at three-over. The 32-year-old carded a one-over 71 after opening with a 72 and he said the most important thing was to ensure he had a late tee-time on Saturday, when the worst of the weather - with 45mph winds - is predicted to be over.
"I was aware the forecast tomorrow afternoon was better than tomorrow morning so I wanted to play well this afternoon for that fact," he said.
"I can have a nice lie in, turn the TV on and get a nice afternoon tee-off time.
"I'll learn a bit from the telly, see some lines and then go and play golf. If there is no rain and wind at 15mph you are going to see a few scores but if there is wind and rain it is going to be tricky.
"But I am in position. I am playing good."
