Doubts over Dunhill Links future

BBC News, 26 October 2001

The future of the Dunhill Links Championship is in doubt after the sponsors admitted they were reconsidering whether to continue their involvement with the event.

The tournament, won last week by Paul Lawrie, does not feature on the 2002 European Tour schedule, which was released on Friday.

Sponsors told European Tour organisers on Thursday that they were reviewing their options.

"It was a huge shock to us when they said that," admitted Keith Waters, the tour's director of international policy.

A spokesperson for Dunhill said: "All we are saying is that Dunhill is considering its position and no further comment will be made at this stage."

The £3.5m pro-celebrity event was launched this year to replace the previous Alfred Dunhill Cup team competition.

Despite being the richest golf tournament ever held in Britain, the event, staged on three courses, did not attract big crowds.

In addition, fog and rain caused severe disruption, culminating in the event being held over an extra day.

There was also controversy when the championship committee cut the handicaps of 39 of the amateurs playing.

A five-year contract had been signed to stage the event at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns.

It had been expected to move forward three weeks next season to 3-6 October, the week after the Ryder Cup.