Radio DJ Chris Evans has revealed he was banned for life from the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship after winning the pro-am competition with Nick Dougherty in 2011. The broadcaster and Dougherty secured the trophy with a combined score of 40-under par, a tournament record that still stands.
Handicap doubts and ban
Evans competed off a 10 handicap, but doubts were raised about whether that figure was genuine. He capitalised on his advantage, narrowly edging out other famous faces for the title. It was only while making arrangements to defend the pro-am crown the following year that he learned he was no longer permitted to compete.
Scottish organisers notified Evans he would never be granted entry to the celebrity tournament again. In a newspaper column in 2012, he wrote: "Sadly, I will not be defending my title this year. Why? It appears I've been banned for life."
Evans reacts to ban
He added: "I could delve into why but frankly it's all a bit tedious. Suffice to say, if we were children in the playground, the boy who owns the ball just took it home in a sulk because his team didn't win." Addressing the handicap doubts, he said: "Along with congratulations, there were rumblings of dissent. The gloaming was dark with talk of my handicap being too high for my ability."
Evans revealed he had contemplated establishing a rival tournament as revenge, saying: "It crossed my mind to set up an alternative tournament on the exact same dates. I think I'll call it the Dung Hill Cup."
This year's event
This year's Dunhill Links Pro-Am is set to take place at Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and the Old Course at St Andrews. Welsh football legend Gareth Bale will return, while James Milner is preparing for his debut. Bill Murray is set for his 11th outing, with Ronan Keating among the participants.
Piers Morgan, Ruud Gullit, Kevin Pietersen and Kelly Slater are also confirmed. Bob MacIntyre will defend his title in the pro championship alongside Brooks Koepka, Justin Rose and Matt Fitzpatrick.
