Woosnam returns to lay ghost of BellSouth Classic

SIX of the record 21 Europeans in next week’s Masters tee off in the BellSouth Classic in Atlanta today.

They include Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam, whose last appearance in the event ended in controversial fashion. Woosnam was disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard in 2001, even though officials had been tipped off before the end of his first round a mistake might have been made.

Only after the former world number one had left the Sugarloaf course was it confirmed his two-over 74 was actually a 75 and, by then, it was too late to save him. Woosnam, Masters champion in 1991, shouldered some of the blame as well, of course, for not checking the card carefully enough.

He returns for his first US Tour event since the US PGA last August and joins fellow Augusta-bound quintet Luke Donald, joint runner-up in the Players Championship, twice Masters winner Jose Maria Olazabal, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Thomas Levet and Joakim Haeggman.

Pádraig Harrington had intended to be there as well but flew back to Dublin from Florida on Monday night to spend time with his father, who is suffering from cancer. Whether he returns for the Masters depends on the situation at home.

Also playing this week, but not in next week’s elite field, are Londoner Brian Davis and Welshman Phillip Price, who can already testify that the bad weather dogging the American circuit this season is still a problem.

While the Players Championship was being concluded on Monday following a succession of rain delays, Price was playing in a pro-am in Atlanta and conditions were so cold the entire group quit after nine holes.

The forecast is not too bad except for Friday - thunderstorms and winds of up to 25mph.

Tournament favourites are US Open champion Retief Goosen and Masters champion Phil Mickelson, although he was making a late decision whether to play because the Players Championship spilled into this week.