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Campbell slams Americans By: Agencies September 15, 2005
London: Colin Montgomerie and US Open champion Michael Campbell have chided Americas top golfers for skipping the World Match Play in Wentworth.
No American will compete in the event, which offers a first prize of 1m.
They still feel there is a safety issue here in Europe, said Montgomerie. We try and tell them its okay but they have their own views.
Campbell added: Its disheartening that we have the biggest prize in the world and half the guys dont turn up.
None of the worlds top four players are taking part, with world number one Tiger Woods and number three Phil Mickelson staying in America.
World number two Vijay Singh of Fiji also turned down an invitation while six-time winner Ernie Els is recovering from a knee injury.
They still feel there is a safety issue here in Europe, said Montgomerie. We try and tell them its okay but they have their own views.
Campbell added: Its disheartening that we have the biggest prize in the world and half the guys dont turn up.
None of the worlds top four players are taking part, with world number one Tiger Woods and number three Phil Mickelson staying in America.
World number two Vijay Singh of Fiji also turned down an invitation while six-time winner Ernie Els is recovering from a knee injury.
Americans Chris DiMarco, Fred Couples and Davis Love have also turned down the chance to play in the 16-man field.
Its unfortunate for the tournament, said former winner Montgomerie, who believes this summers London bombings are a factor.
Campbell feels next weeks Presidents Cup, which takes place in the United States, may also have convinced the Americans to stay away.
It is a long way to come for one week and go back again, said Campbell.
But I feel for the sponsors because they put up a lot of money, this is the richest first prize in all of golf, and the tournament is not as strong as they would like to have it.
You can say its probably a slap in the face to the sponsors.
It leaves a very bad taste in your mouth from a sponsors point of view and the general public here.
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