Despite the poor form of her employer, Fanny Sunesson has secured her position as one of the game's top-earning caddies. Now 10 years with Nick Faldo, she has completed a lucrative sponsorship deal with Dubai-based jewellery company Pinctada.

The upshot is that the Swede is being paid an undisclosed sum for wearing a necklace of 33 rare baroque pearls from Australia, valued at £23,000. Given existing contracts with Adams Golf and the Sprint telephone company, it is thought to have pushed her endorsement earnings past £100,000. Susan Frost, managing director of Pinctada, explains: "People may think it's an odd association but it's because it's so different that it grabs attention. We think Fanny is ideal. It would not be nearly so effective if we put the pearls on a supermodel."

Though the necklace is insured against theft, Frost doesn't anticipate any problems. "Fanny is sensible," she added. "Security is good on a tournament golf course and she probably won't wear the pearls at night."

For her part, Sunesson reports no adverse reaction from her male caddying colleagues. "I expect to wear them at tournaments throughout the year," she said.