Andrew Oldcorn called up into GB&I team

Andrew Oldcorn has received a call-up to the Great Britain and Ireland team for next week’s Seve Trophy at Druids Glen after David Howell was forced to withdraw injured.

Oldcorn, the reigning Volvo PGA Champion, was involved in a tussle with Steve Webster for the final automatic place, which went down to the wire in the final counting event, the Madeira Island Open, three weeks ago. The Scot was joint-leader at halfway but faded to 18th place, meaning Webster held on to the final spot, but now both will line up against the continental Europe side captained by Seve Ballesteros.

Oldcorn, who joins fellow Scots Colin Montgomerie and former Open champion Paul Lawrie in the team, said: "I’m delighted because I had tried hard to make the team automatically before just missing out, but I am very disappointed for David. If there is one person I wouldn’t have wished this on, it is him because he is a good friend of mine.

"Having said that, the same thing happened to me last season when I had to pull out of the World Cup with injury and Dean Robertson took my place, so I know exactly how David is feeling right now. I’m looking forward to being part of the Great Britain and Ireland team and also being part of what should be a great week’s golf."

Howell, 26, had qualified automatically for Montgomerie’s side by finishing in sixth place in the points table, but cracked a bone in his left arm after a fall and is unable to compete.

"Obviously, I am bitterly disappointed to miss the Seve Trophy after trying to qualify for a year," said Howell. "However, you soon realise that getting back to full fitness is of much greater importance.

"I wish Great Britain and Ireland the very best of luck in trying to win back the trophy."

Email this page to a friend | Return to top of page