Americans’ absence ‘leaves bad taste’

FORMER winner Colin Montgomerie and US Open champion Michael Campbell yesterday joined forces in bemoaning the absence of America’s leading golfers from the World Match Play Championship.

A world record first prize of £1million and a guaranteed £60,000 for first round losers has failed to attract Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and their fellow Americans to Wentworth.

With Vijay Singh also turning down an invitation and six-time winner Ernie Els recovering from a knee injury, none of the world's top four players are taking part in the HSBC-sponsored event.