Last time at Oakmont

A FOURTH 18-hole play-off in seven years but, for the first time since 1963, there would be three hopefuls - 24-year-old South African Ernie Els, little-known Californian Loren Roberts and Scotland's Colin Montgomerie.

Monty had already finished third at Pebble Beach two years previously so the US Open was quickly earmarked as his best chance of Major glory.

And by the end of the second day - Tom Watson led from Jack Nicklaus after the opening round - Britain looked well placed for its first winner since Tony Jacklin's seven-shot triumph at Hazeltine in 1970, a six-under 65 firing Montgomerie two clear.

Arnold Palmer, back after an 11-year break from the tournament, also bid an emotional farewell to the Major that he captured at Cherry Hills in 1960. Saturday saw Els grab the initiative with a 66 and Roberts, who opened with a 76, followed a 69 with a best-of-the-week 64.

The heat and humidity continued on the Sunday, with temperatures approaching 100 degrees, and the overnight leader Els received a huge break straightaway when he was given an incorrect free drop at the first - little advantage was gained though with the South African three-putting.

Monty carded a 70 to reach five-under while Roberts bogeyed the 72nd hole to finish on the same mark.

Els, failing to notice that the American had dropped one at the last, believed he needed a birdie to pull clear and hooked his tee-shot. The chance of a birdie was gone and he then had to make a five-footer to join the leaders in Monday's extra holes.

The play-off was a catalogue of dropped shots. Roberts dropped one at the second - and he was the best there. Els bogeyed the first, again, and treble bogeyed the second. Monty doubled the second AND the third and his race was run after an error-strewn 42 on the front nine.

Roberts led by one with three to play. He then three-putted the 16th but putts of 15 and 10 feet forced a sudden death with Els also knocking in a pair of six footers. With the pair playing the 19th (or 91st hole) ABC switched to O.J Simpson's court appearance but they returned just in time to see Roberts stay alive with a nerveless par putt.

But the drama was soon ended as an Els par at the 11th was enough to claim his first Major and first win in the States. For Monty it seemed to be all part of an upward curve.

"This is by far the most difficult course I've ever played, but I came here saying this was my best chance to win a Major and I gave it my best. It's all part of the learning process - I'm always learning. I'm not despondent and I'm looking forward to the Open at Turnberry next month."

Thirteen years on who would have thought he'd still be waiting for that elusive Major?