Westwood: Golfers must do more for sponsors 21/05/2010
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Leading golfer Lee Westwood has admitted that players must work harder to give sponsors better value for money.
The world No 3 was speaking after a speech at the European Tour’s annual dinner by South African business tycoon Johann Rupert, whose company is responsible for the Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland, in which he warned stars that tough times lie ahead as the economy recovers from the downturn.
"I thought the speech was fantastic,” said Westwood. “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.”
He continued: "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 that need a bit of education.
"We are going through tough times and you don't know what's around the corner, do you?"
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