Golf: Players defend charity pro-am

Paul McGinley and Paul Lawrie, tied for the overnight lead in the Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews, have joined a concerted effort to hit back at criticism of the £3.5m event.

Forced into an extra day because of countless disruptions for fog and rain, the pair were a stroke ahead of world number four Ernie Els going into today’s final round.

At stake is an incredible first prize of £551,000 - not much less than David Duval won at the Open in July - and Lawrie and McGinley had plenty of reasons to focus solely on that.

The Scot, who completed a career-best 63 over the Old Course yesterday, has not won since the 1999 Open at Carnoustie, while for Dubliner McGinley victory could take him all the way up to second place in this season’s Order of Merit.

But in the face of all the problems predictably encountered by having a 312-player, three-course pro-am tournament in Scotland at this time of year, they have both spoken out about the positives.

McGinley, who has been paired with ‘‘Sex in the City’’ and ‘‘Twin Peaks’’ actor Kyle MacLachlan, said: ‘‘The great thing is that it is multi-dimensional. We play so much that is one-dimensional.

‘‘Taking advantage of the favourable conditions when you get them and battling to hold on when things are against you is all part of the challenge.

‘‘I know there has been criticism, but all I can say is that I have never seen guys happier playing golf. Everyone has had a ball.

‘‘I think it’s great that so many high-profile celebrities have come and they very much add to the tournament.

‘‘Golf is a sport where professionals and amateurs can play alongside each other. Sadly, I can’t play alongside David Beckham or Roy Keane at Old Trafford in a competitive match.’’

Lawrie is partnering his main sponsor, Martin Gilbert, and said: ‘‘I think it has been fantastic. It’s a great idea and I think it is fantastic for all the amateurs to see how the boys actually do it and how the game is played and how you get your ball around.’’

Swindon’s David Howell, lying fourth, added: ‘‘I’ve had a great time. It’s a lot more relaxing and we’ve had a few laughs and seen some funny shots.’’

Els, however, believes the event, the richest ever staged in Britain, has to be given a better date on the European tour schedule in future.

Before going out for the final round to try to win both the individual title and the team title with his father Neels, he said: ‘‘I did have some plans to get back to the States, but now everything’s going later.

‘‘It’s a pity. The tour’s really got to look at the date of this tournament. With the sponsors putting all this money in, the tour’s got to give the sponsor a better date.’’

By ‘‘better’’ South African Els means earlier. The third week in October was always gambling with the Scottish weather and it was a gamble the organisers this year lost.

Pitifully few spectators turned up on the first four days despite all the celebrities on view.

A five-year contract has been signed for the event to continue at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns and next season the tournament is expected to take place the week after the Ryder Cup, itself rescheduled for September 27-29 at The Belfry.

Yet early October would appear another gamble.

Tournament officials are in discussions with both the European tour and the St Andrews Links Trust to explore the possibility of moving to a date which should - no guarantees - improve matters.

‘‘An earlier date would be helpful and that’s what we want,’’ said Johann Rupert, chief executive of Dunhill’s parent company Richemont.

‘‘Obviously we’ve been affected by the weather, but I was here three weeks ago and it was perfect weather.’’

European tour executive director Ken Schofield is clearly keen to please. He said: ‘‘Not every sport is fortunate to have such support as Dunhill gives on a global basis.’’

Adding their voices of support have been Hollywood actor Michael Douglas, who partnered Darren Clarke, Ian Botham, Colin Montgomerie, Lee Westwood and Clarke himself.

Douglas said before he left to rejoin wife Catherine Zeta Jones: ‘‘From our end it’s a fantasy come true - a tremendous treat for the amateurs. The event got clobbered by the weather, but you couldn’t ask for three better courses.’’

Montgomerie added: ‘‘Potentially this tournament, over the next few years, can be the best pro-am that there is worldwide.’’

Westwood said after partnering Samuel L Jackson: ‘‘It’s as much a thrill for us to play with people like Samuel and Michael as they say it is to play with professionals.’’

Monday is normally a day off for professional golfers. But for the second time this year it could be a memorable one for Els’ fellow South African Retief Goosen.

Goosen, who won the US Open in June on a fifth day, could clinch the Order of Merit if he has a good day and Clarke has a bad one. At nine under he is five behind Lawrie and McGinley and Clarke is two further back.