Dunhill auction struggles

The Courier, 18 September 2008

With less than two days to go of an online auction giving golfers from around the world the opportunity to join the star-studded field for the 2008 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns next month, there has been a very disappointing response to date.

The charity auction offering a slot in the competition is due to close at 17.00GMT tomorrow with the highest bidder joining the international field of golf stars and amateurs from the world of sport and entertainment and enjoying an opportunity of a lifetime.

However, it would appear that the credit crunch has affected the initiative with the top bid by early last night reaching only £2050. While no reserve has been made, the auction on eBay has a guide price of £10,000. Last year’s winning offer was just over £18,000.

This year’s tournament takes place from October 2-5 over the Old Course, St Andrews, the championship course at Carnoustie, and the Kingsbarns links.

The online auction offers amateur golfers throughout the world a rare opportunity to play in this tournament, with the winning bidder treated to the very best of Alfred Dunhill’s world-famous hospitality.

The package includes one amateur place in the championship, five nights’ accommodation for two at an official tournament hotel on a bed and breakfast basis, airport transfers from Edinburgh and invitations to the championship’s social events as honoured guests.

The auction is in aid of the St Andrews Pilgrim Foundation, a charity committed to the restoration of historic monuments and buildings in the town.

Bids can be made by visiting www.ebay.co.uk and searching for Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.