Montgomerie set for duel with Els

Colin Montgomerie's last visit to the United States resulted in the Scot exorcising a demon - that of defeat - which had constantly tormented him on previous visits to golf's corporate home. His individual win in the World Cup at Kiawah Island in November may only have been secondary to the team success achieved by Ireland, but it nevertheless enabled him to overcome a major psychological barrier.

This week, Montgomerie, Europe's number one money-winner for the past five years, returns to the US and, in so doing, will renew rivalry in the Andersen Consulting World Championship of Golf with his US Open nemesis Ernie Els.

Montgomerie and Els meet in one semi-final of the matchplay championship at the Greyhawk club in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Saturday, with Davis Love III and Hajime Mesiai clashing in the other match. The final is scheduled for Sunday. With $1 million to the winner, it is an event not to be sniffed at - and, given Montgomerie's liking for matchplay, evident in his Ryder Cup exploits, the assumption is that he will fly the European flag far more effectively than his fellow-Scot Sam Torrance did at the same venue last January where he finished fourth in the four-man field.

Although Montgomerie is heading into the New Year with the winning of a major as his prime objective, the Andersen event represents a good starting point. "I'm looking forward to it," he remarked. "We don't play enough matchplay golf as professionals. It's not just you against the course, you have to play your opponent at the same time. Anyone who says you don't play the man is fibbing."

Montgomerie couldn't have asked for a tougher opponent than the Big Easy himself, Els. In what has almost amounted to man-to-man conflict in US Open championships in recent times, Els has come out on top on the two occasions. Saturday's semi-final represents a chance to gain a measure of revenge.

While Montgomerie represents European golf in Arizona this weekend, the young pretenders to his European crown will be gathering in San Roque - the Andalusian headquarters of the PGA European Tour - for the MacGregor Week, a training week for young professionals who have graduated from the Challenge Tour and the Tour School.

Indeed, three of Ireland's established professionals - Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington and Ronan Rafferty - will be present in Spain to offer advice to the Tour newcomers.

The MacGregor week comprises instructional sessions with teaching and playing professionals, with topics such as putting and the short game. Players will also be advised on mental and physical preparation for the tournaments ahead and on communicating with the media and sponsors. Incidentally, Harrington and his World Cup winning colleague Paul McGinley will have a prior engagement on Thursday when they will be feted by the Golfing Union of Ireland at a reception in the Portmarnock Links Hotel in recognition of their triumph at Kiawah Island.

Meanwhile, Casey Martin, a competitor on the Nike Tour, is bringing the US PGA Tour to court in an attempt to allow electric carts to be used during professional tournaments. The case will be heard in Eugene, Oregon, on February 2nd under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Martin, who suffers from Klippel-Trenaunai-Weber syndrome, a circulatory disorder to his lower right leg, was given permission to use a cart at the US Tour qualifying school finals, where he failed to win his card. However, he won a card to play on the Nike Tour - which is under the auspices of the US PGA - where the use of a cart is illegal. The Tour has given Martin an exemption to use a cart for his first two tournaments on the Nike circuit, but plan to fight the court case. Dublin motor dealer Terry Lilly has no doubts which is his favourite hole at Slade Valley Golf Club where he is a member, playing off a six-handicap. On the Sunday before Christmas, Lilly recorded two holes-in-one in the space of two hours and five minutes at the 163 yards Par 3 fifth hole.

The Blarney Park Hotel is the base for the Cork Golf Week which will take place on April 5th-9th with competitions at three courses: Lee Valley, Harbour Point and Fota Island. The all-in package includes golf and five nights bed and breakfast accommodation. Contact 021385281.