"It's quite unbelievable, absolutely fantastic," enthused Montgomerie after a see-saw one under par round which took him to seven-under-par 135, a stroke ahead of Sweden's Pierre Fulke.

"The crowd was cheering so loudly and I hope they come out in their thousands again at the weekend and support me because they've certainly helped me cope.

"I've never had this before anywhere in the world. They possibly feel I should have won a major in my career because I've done everything else and see this as a golden opportunity for me."

"I got a couple of breaks and 70 is about what I deserved and it's nice to have an early start-time on Saturday for a change," continued the Scot.

"I'm experienced but this is all new territory for me. I've obviously won my orders of merit and I've been up there in other majors but this is different ground.

"But I'm keeping my emotions intact and feel quite confident at this stage."