GolfWeb Wire Services

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Colin Montgomerie expects smoother sailing at this year's Masters due to the new-grown rough lining the generous fairways of Augusta National.

"I feel more comfortable on this golf course now that they've grown what we call rough," Montgomerie said after posting a 2-under 70 in the first round that put him right in the thick of contention.

"It's not really rough, but it makes a big, big difference in the second shot approach to the greens," he said.

The heavier grass framing the fairways is only 1-3/8 inches deep, barely thicker than what some public course players see on their fairways. But on Augusta's impeccable layout, this is a dramatic development.

Tournament officials had hoped to put more of a premium on driving accuracy to slow down the current crop of big hitters, including Tiger Woods, who shot a Masters record of 18-under 270 in galloping to a 12-shot triumph in 1997.

Montgomerie, 35, Europe's leading money winner an unprecedented six years in a row, is one of the game's straightest drivers.

"I do (like the changes), because I've always felt my greatest asset is putting the ball in the fairway.

"They don't affect you if you're on the fairway," Montgomerie said about this year's course changes, which also include the lengthening of two holes and the addition of trees alongside two fairways to further toughen the layout.

"What does affect you is if you are in the rough," he said.

Montgomerie said being in the rough taxes one's tactics.

"If there's an area not to go, we try not to go there, so we go to the other part of the course," he explained, adding that this sets up a domino effect of decisions on how to approach the greens.

"On this course, sometimes over the back (of the greens) is worse than being short. So it's very difficult if you're on the rough. Very difficult, because you have to hit it a certain distance but not too far. That's your problem because you lose control."

Montgomerie, often pestered about being one of the world's best players yet to win a major, said being out of the spotlight dominated by Woods and red-hot David Duval in the run-up to the Masters may be another edge for him during the competition.

"Obviously, it's been quieter this week than normal, which I'm sure is a help," he said.

Montgomerie, whose poor finishes on the U.S. Tour this year left him tied for 60th, tied 23rd, and tied 61st in his last three events, said he did not resent being overlooked in all the fuss made over Duval and Woods.

"Well, when you score 79s on weekends, you're out of the firing line, aren't you?" COPYRIGHT 651 1999 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.