Chris Evans is again absent from the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship after receiving a lifetime ban from the celebrity competition. Andy Murray, who was the star name at last year's event, is also missing from this year's line-up.
Evans' 2011 Victory and Controversy
The broadcaster partnered with former England golfer Nick Dougherty to claim the trophy in 2011, defeating a host of famous faces. However, controversy surrounded the victory, with questions raised over Evans' handicap as the pair finished on a combined score of 40-under par – a tournament record which still stands.
Evans competed off a 10 handicap and made the most of his advantage as he and Dougherty edged out the chasing field across the three iconic Scottish courses. But when Evans attempted to make arrangements to defend the title the following year, he discovered he would not be allowed back.
Lifetime Ban and Response
The Scottish organisers informed him that he had been banned from competing in the celebrity tournament for life. "Sadly, I will not be defending my title this year," Evans wrote in a newspaper column in 2012. "Why? It appears I've been banned for life."
"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," he added.
Addressing the controversy over his handicap, Evans said: "Along with congratulations, there were rumblings of dissent. The gloaming was dark with talk of my handicap being too high for my ability." He even joked about setting up a rival event, adding: "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 Celebrity Line-Up
This year's Alfred Dunhill Links Championship is now underway, with competitors taking on Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and the Old Course at St Andrews. Welsh football legend Gareth Bale has returned to the competition, while former Premier League midfielder James Milner is making his debut.
Hollywood star Bill Murray will make his 11th appearance, with Boyzone singer Ronan Keating also among the celebrity line-up. Piers Morgan, Ruud Gullit, Kevin Pietersen and surfing great Kelly Slater are also confirmed to take part.
Andy Murray, however, is missing from this year's line-up. Murray has really focussed on his golf since retiring from tennis, working his handicap down to just 1. He is a notable absentee in 2026, with the Scot due to play an exhibition match against Rafa Nadal at the Spaniard's academy on the weekend and unable to attend due to the clash.
In the professional competition, Bob MacIntyre will return to defend his title alongside a star-studded field featuring the likes of Brooks Koepka, Justin Rose and Matt Fitzpatrick.
