Sport

Hill facing Europeans

Eight Europeans are in a predictably strong field for the $2.5 million Bay Hill Invitational, starting on Thursday

By DERMOT GILLEECE
Tue Mar 16 1999 - 00:00

Eight Europeans are in a predictably strong field for the $2.5 million Bay Hill Invitational, starting on Thursday. But tradition would suggest that they have little chance of making an impact on the 7,196-yard, par-72 stretch in Orlando.

Seve Ballesteros was runner-up at Doral in 1987 before Nick Faldo achieved a European breakthrough in 1995. The Honda Classic has produced three European runners-up - Bernhard Langer in 1987, Sandy Lyle (1988) and Faldo (1995). Then there was Lyle's victory in the Players' Championship in 1987 at Sawgrass, where Langer was runner-up in 1993 and Colin Montgomerie three years ago.

But this week's stop on the so-called Florida Swing, has been barren terrain for European fortunes. When Ernie Els captured the title last year, Langer was tied fourth; Montgomerie tied eighth; Lee Westwood tied 15th and Padraig Harrington tied 50th. Ian Woosnam, Faldo, Lyle and Keith Nolan missed the cut.

The Europeans in action this week are: Darren Clarke, Gabriel Hjertstedt, Ballesteros, Thomas Bjorn, Langer, Montgomerie, Westwood and Woosnam. The most successful among them this season is the American-based Swede, Hjerstedt, whose Tucson Open victory has helped him to 12th position in the money list with $623,114.

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Meanwhile, an indication of the huge rewards now on offer on the US Tour is that Vijay Singh is only sixth in the current money list, despite collecting $468,000 as winner of the Honda Classic last Sunday. Indeed, even if he were to win again next Sunday, the Fijian would still not catch Jeff Maggert at the top of the list.

Eric Booker looked like gaining a sensational victory at Heron Bay last weekend, only to fritter five strokes away on the closing four holes. But the 35-year-old has still taken a significant step towards retaining his card at the end of the season. After nine tournaments, Booker is currently 60th in the money list with earnings of $150,907.

As a bonus, his share of third place behind Singh, earned him exemption into Bay Hill and the chance of sharing in another bonanza purse.