Monty hits back at Els criticism

Colin Montgomerie, the record eight-time winner of Europe's Order of Merit, did not hide his feelings today about the fact that Ernie Els is not in Spain this week to try to clinch his third money-list title.

"The Order of Merit meant a lot to me and it obviously does not to others," said Montgomerie on the eve of the season-ending Volvo Masters at Valderrama.

Els has opted instead for the Barclays Singapore Open, making no secret of the appeal of massive appearance money at this time of year, and could be overtaken by Padraig Harrington, Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson or Niclas Fasth.

"This is our flagship tournament — our Tour Championship if you like — and it's a shame that all the players who qualified aren't here," stated Montgomerie. "This should have been their priority. I would never, ever miss this. Volvo have been very good to us."

In addition to Els, reigning US Open champion Angel Cabrera, Lee Westwood, Michael Campbell, Nick O'Hern, Charl Schwartzel and Anton Haig have chosen to join Phil Mickelson and Vijay Singh in the far east event rather than pitch up at Valderrama.

Els and Westwood have both spoken out about the clash — Westwood describing it as "mismanagement on behalf of the European Tour" given that the Singapore date was known first.

The South African added today: "The decision was made last year. I signed a commitment with Barclays for three years, played my first one last year, this is my middle year and I've got a commitment next year — so don't blame me.

"I'd love to play the Volvo Masters, but if they screw up the dates so be it. The European Tour knew that I've got a three-year contract with Barclays.

"You can't please everybody and especially when two big events like these are being played on the same week. It just doesn't make any sense. I mentioned it a couple of weeks ago during (the HSBC World) Match Play and I haven't heard any response in explanation. Somebody missed the ball — it's as simple as that.

"We go where we need to go and to play the Volvo Masters would be the wrong thing to do, I think."

Not that the world number four had been a regular attendee in any case.

While Montgomerie has played every one of the previous 19, Els has showed up only in 1993 and 1998. He did not feel the need even when he topped the money list in 2003 and 2004.

After his Match Play victory the South African was pressed on his decision and stated: "How can I say it? At the end of the year you've got the wheelbarrow out — you want to cash in a little bit."

With Els not present it is at least considerably easier to work out who needs to do what to become number one at the weekend.

To retain his title Open champion Harrington cannot afford to finish worse than third. He was similarly placed behind Paul Casey last year and took the crown when a last-hole bogey by Sergio Garcia lifted him into a share of second place.

Rose will also take the Order of Merit if he finishes in the top three — as long as the Dubliner is behind him. Stenson and Fasth, meanwhile, have to win to have any chance.