Cash Lures Players To Wa Classic
The Sunday Age
Sunday February 9, 2003
Once again, the Johnnie Walker Classic has upstaged every Australasian PGA Tour tournament, with Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Sergio Garcia headlining at Perth's Lake Karrinyup this week. But what about the cost?
Industry sources said yesterday that appearance money would total more than $2.5 million.
It is understood Els, Goosen, who is defending the classic title, and Garcia are receiving about $583,300. But the going rate for Els, the hottest golfer in the world in 2003, is now up to $833,300.
Other overseas players certain to be on the end of a substantial sling include Nick Faldo, Ian Woosnam, Thomas Bjorn, Niclas Fasth, Justin Rose and even Lee Westwood, who has fallen from a top-five player three years ago to No. 200 in the world.
Australians who can expect to receive something are world No. 15 Robert Allenby, last year's WGC-NEC Invitational winner Craig Parry and youngster Adam Scott, who won twice on the European tour last year.
The Australasian PGA Tour is attempting to reach agreement with tournament promoters that appearance money only be paid to past and present major winners. -- Peter Stone
© 2003 The Sunday Age
