Golf: Cup to be celebrity pro-am tourney

ST ANDREWS - Orlando-based Kiwi Grant Waite is disappointed that the 16-year-old Dunhill Cup international teams golf event will come to an end over the next few days.

Waite said on the eve of the opening match against Ireland that he was upset the tournament would be played under a pro-am celebrity format next year.

"This is one chance to represent New Zealand and I'm saddened that after 16 years the golf schedule has become too cluttered to allow time for an event such as the Dunhill Cup," he said.

This is Waite's fourth Dunhill Cup and he is playing alongside Greg Turner, who is in his 13th cup tournament, and Michael Campbell, who is in his third.

New Zealand must finish ahead of South Africa, Ireland and France in their group to stand a chance of earning a semifinal place on Monday.

Waite arrived at the bitterly cold and blustery St Andrews from warm Orlando in the best form of his life.

He had two seconds on the United States PGA tour last month, followed by three top-30 scores.

"I'm lying 37th on the money-list and I will be invited to the US Masters in Augusta if I can stay in the top 40," he said.

"I'm happy with my game and I love coming to St Andrews for the chance to represent New Zealand.

"I still get back home for about a week in December every year, though I'm not sure yet if I'll have time to play the New Zealand Open at the Grange."

Waite said playing at St Andrews' Old Course was the greatest challenge facing any golfer.

"I love it here. It's cold, wet, windy and it's different to what I'm used to. You have to keep the ball on the ground, be creative and make adjustments. But it's great being in New Zealand colours again and I have my confidence back playing alongside Michael and Greg, who are performing well."

Turner, who is recovering from flu, said he agreed with Waite that it was disappointing the cup chapter was coming to a close.

A Dunhill event would be staged next year, but not as an international teams event.

"It's been a fantastic event for New Zealand. We look forward to it every year, especially after 16 years, and it's developed a reputation.

"But we have to focus on the next few days. It will be a battle out there. This is a different course from how it played at the British Open three months ago. Possibly 80 will be a good score if this wind keeps up.

"You have to forget about the score, batten down the hatches and make the best of it."

New Zealand have won 18 of their 38 Dunhill Cup matches at St Andrews, reaching the semifinals in 1990 and 1997 and the final for the first time in 1996, when they were narrowly beaten by the United States.

- NZPA