Poulter paired with easy driver Hopper

Published on Wednesday 4 October 2006 00:21

IN WHAT looks to be a shrewd spot of typecasting in the Dunhill Links pro-am, Ian Poulter, golf's rebel without a cause, has been paired with Dennis Hopper, the Hollywood actor who first made his name alongside James Dean in the film of Rebel Without A Cause in the Fifties.

Best known for his portrayal of edgy characters in films such as Easy Rider, Blue Velvet and Apocalypse Now, Hopper will have Poulter's edgy trousers for company at Kingsbarns tomorrow.

In the team element of the pro-am, other Hollywood stars taking part in the tournament also found themselves partnered with past and present European Ryder Cup players. Michael Douglas again plays with defending champion Colin Montgomerie, David Howell partners Hugh Grant and Paul McGinley teams up with Kyle MacLachlan. As for the combination of Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez and comedian Bill Murray, it's a pairing where something might get lost in translation.

Britain's celebrated rowers Steve Redgrave and Matthew Pinsent will both partner Scots, alongside Simon Yates and Andrew Oldcorn respectively. David Lynn is with Ruud Gullit, Ian Woosnam partners Ian Botham and Darren Clarke is paired with England captain Michael Vaughan.

The pairing of Sandy Lyle, the only Scot to win the Masters at Augusta, and Richie Ramsay, the first Scot to win the US Amateur since the 19th century, is intriguing. While Ramsay will play off the same forward tee as the rest of the handicap amateurs, his standing as the No 1 amateur golfer in the world this year means he'll have four shots added to his scratch score. Sam Torrance and his son Daniel are reunited, seeking a second triumph in the team competition.