Proposal to pay all Dunhill pros

Mike Aitken, The Scotsman, 30 September 2003

Professionals could be paid to turn up at a full field event for the first time next season if a proposal to reward all those who enter the 2004 Dunhill Links championship finds favour with European Tour officials.

It’s believed there is some sympathy at Wentworth, the Tour’s headquarters, for the argument that all 168 pros who enter the Dunhill make an extra contribution to the tournament by playing three rounds with the amateurs in a team competition as well as practice sessions.

Although Ken Schofield, the executive director of the Tour, is set against any moves to pay players who miss the cut at regular stroke-play events, my understanding is the Scot appreciates the extra in-put at the Dunhill and would listen carefully to what the players have to say on this issue.

Given that the Dunhill’s prize fund of £3.5million is one of the most lucrative outside the majors, there’s plenty of scope to devote, say, £250,000 of that large sum to a pot which could give every pro a four-figure cheque to help out with expenses and travel in recognition of their work with the amateurs.

While golfers at the World Championship events, including this week’s American Express, are guaranteed a five-figure payment, every other tournament only pays out to those who make the cut.

Lee Westwood, the winner of the Dunhill on Sunday, flew to Atlanta yesterday for the Amex astonished by the sudden change in fortune. His game was in such tight shape in Scotland he only made one bogey over three of the hardest courses in the country.

Meantime, Bob Torrance and Thomas Bjorn are no longer working together after the veteran Scottish coach decided he didn’t have the time to help out the Dane on a more regular basis. Torrance continues to work with Padraig Harrington as well as nurturing his grandson Daniel and son Sam, who won the team prize at the Dunhill.