Radio presenter Chris Evans was previously barred from the Alfred Dunhill Links following his victory in the star-studded pro-am golf competition. The tournament has returned this week and features professional golfers teamed up with amateurs, including Andy Murray and other celebrity participants, in a team format across three different Scottish courses.
Back in 2011, Evans and professional golfer Nick Dougherty stormed to victory with an impressive 40-under-par finish. However, Evans came under scrutiny for his 10 handicap following the pair recording the lowest score in the tournament’s history. Despite clearing his diary and booking time off his radio show to defend his title, Evans discovered he had been banned from the tournament due to concerns over his handicap. Express Sport has contacted Alfred Dunhill to seek clarification on whether Evans’ ban remains in place, more than ten years later. However, Evans was quick to criticise the tournament’s decision and felt he had been unfairly punished.
“Sadly, I will not be defending my title this year,” Evans said in 2012. “Why? It transpires I’ve been barred for life. I could go into why but frankly it’s all a bit of a bore. Suffice to say, if we were kids in the playground, the boy who owns the ball just took it home in a huff because his team didn’t win.”
Evans secured victory against a field featuring plenty of A-list golf fans, including Michael Douglas, Samuel L Jackson and Hugh Grant. However, the 59-year-old wasn’t entirely surprised by his subsequent ban, having been aware that questions about his performance had been raised at the time.
“Along with congratulations, there were rumblings of dissent,” he said, as reported by TNT Sports. “The gloaming was dark with talk of my handicap being too high for my ability.” He added: “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.”
Despite Evans not participating in this year’s esteemed pro-am, the event is teeming with celebrity presence. The tournament has attracted Hollywood royalty such as Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, along with comedy giant Bill Murray.
Music industry stars like rock legend Huey Lewis and Keane’s lead singer Tom Chaplin are among the amateur golfers. Additionally, numerous sporting legends are also gracing the links courses.
Tennis icon Murray, who harbours ambitions of qualifying for The Open in the future, is making his latest pro-am appearance. Five-time Olympic gold medallist rower Steve Redgrave is also competing, while Ashes victors Kevin Pietersen and Michael Vaughan are among the ex-cricket players in the lineup.
Several former South African rugby internationals, including Morne du Plessis, are also attending the event. Meanwhile, Dustin Johnson is joined by his NHL legend father-in-law Wayne Gretzky.
Professional golfers compete in an individual strokeplay event alongside a team competition. Defending champion and recent Ryder Cup star Tyrell Hatton is participating in the team format with his dad Jeff. Another Ryder Cup hero and 2023 Alfred Dunhill champion Matt Fitzpatrick is also teamed up with his father Russell.
