Golf: Bjorn cops 'substantial' fine for insults

Denmark's Thomas Bjorn has been fined by the European Tour for his outburst against Europe's Ryder Cup golf captain, Ian Woosnam.

After being overlooked for a wild card for the match against the United States at the K Club this month, Bjorn launched a vitriolic attack on Woosnam this week.

Since then, Bjorn has backed down, apologising to Woosnam and the European Tour.

Among Bjorn's accusations were that Woosnam would make a "pathetic" captain and that he was "barmy".

All this came after England's Lee Westwood was chosen as the second wild card, alongside Ireland's Darren Clarke, when Woosnam made his two picks.

Bjorn's apologies have not saved him from a "substantial" fine by the tour, which never discloses the size of fines. The largest it has imposed was £5000 ($14,815) and it is understood Bjorn will have to pay this amount.

"Thomas Bjorn is a passionate and outstanding supporter of the European Tour. Nevertheless, the European Tour will not tolerate comments such as the personal and unacceptable remarks made by Thomas on Ian Woosnam," said tour executive director George O'Grady.

"We are aware that he has apologised to Ian and he has also apologised to the tour. Thomas' commitment to the European Tour has never been in doubt. On this occasion he accepts his immense disappointment caused him to make spontaneous but inappropriate comments.

"We take this matter extremely seriously and we have fined Thomas a substantial sum. This very unfortunate episode is now closed."

- REUTERS