Johann Rupert fires warning to players over sponsorship

ONE of golf's best-known backers has warned the game's stars that tough times still lie ahead in the world economy and they should think about giving sponsors better value for money.

South African business tycoon Johann Rupert, whose company is responsible for the Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland and who is chairman of the South African PGA Tour, was the guest speaker at the European Tour's annual dinner.

Ernie Els, Lee Westwood, Colin Montgomerie, Padraig Harrington and Rory McIlroy were among the big names who listened to Rupert give a bleak picture of how the sport might look if more is not done.

Westwood, like the others at Wentworth for the BMW PGA Championship, said: "I thought the speech was fantastic. I think he was spot-on with all his words. Sponsors have a lot of opportunities or to not go anywhere at all and hang on to their money.

"We are fortunate to have very loyal sponsors like BMW, Barclays, HSBC, Dunhill, Omega – these are companies that are in the some of the hardest-hit areas of business at the moment.

"I think we would have to have a very sheltered view as a Tour and as professional golfers to think that they were always going to be around forever and always want to stick money into golf. As golfers and a Tour we do have to do more and give them much more value for money.

"I think it would be great if we all got together in a room as a Tour and let Johann just talk to us and explain what people require and what we can give extra.

"I've been doing it a long time, 17 years, and when I first came out I did a few things that maybe sponsors wouldn't like. I could have done more and you learn over the years. I'm probably a bit more clued in than most people, but it's more players coming fresh out need a bit of education. We are going through tough times and you don't know what's around the corner, do you?"

Rupert made direct reference to the fact that 21-year-old McIlroy already owns a Lamborghini, telling him to put cash in a bank instead, and the Northern Irishman listened intently to the speech. "It did make me think a little bit actually," he said. "I suppose you've got to find a balance between enjoying what you've done, enjoying your money and building up a secure future. There was a serious message in it for everyone. He said the way the world is at the minute is going to go on for the next five or 10 years – and he obviously knows his stuff.

"But you've got to enjoy yourself as well. You're only here once. I think the Tour should look into players making more appearances and going into hospitality tents."