jun28 montyfrench

Colin Montgomerie bounced back from a dismal US Open with a first-round 68 in the European Tour’s French International.

Monty is three under after his opening round and just three shots off the lead. Monty has changed his caddie and is now using Paul Casey’s ex-bagman Craig Connolly. It’s a far cry from the appalling result at Oakmont when he missed the cut by a mile.

But the current leader is little-known South African James Kamte. The 25-year-old shot an impressive 65 and is six under. Some players are yet to finish the first round.

Englishman Ben Barham also upset the form book with a 66 and lies in a tie for second. He is currently lying in 113th in the European Tour Order of Merit, but finished tied ninth in the BMW International Open in Germany last week.

His best ever finish on the European Tour was a tied fourth in the Scottish PGA Championship at Gleneagles in 2000.

But the big guns aren’t far behind. Home favourite Thomas Levet is on four under and Thomas Bjorn is level with Monty on three under.

Ian Poulter is battling away and is on one under.

With The Open just three weeks away the French Open should give a good guide to the form players…