Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood will play alongside two of the biggest names in Hollywood when the $5 million Dunhill Links Championship gets under way on Thursday.
Clarke will partner Michael Douglas and Westwood is to team up with Samuel L Jackson in the inaugural celebration of links golf at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns.
A host of celebrity amateurs feature in a star-studded field for the ‘two-in-one’ tournament. Clarke and Westwood are among the top professional names chasing the $800,000 first prize while, running concurrently, the pro-am team event is worth $50,000 to the winning pair.
Other star team event pairings announced in today’s draw include Hugh Grant and Sam Torrance, Ian Botham and Ian Woosnam, Pierre Fulke and Nigel Mansell, Anthony Wall and Sir Steve Redgrave, Peter Baker and Sir Bobby Charlton, Andrew Coltart and Gavin Hastings, Joachim Haeggman and Boris Becker.
Colin Montgomerie teams up with Wayne Huizenga, the owner of the Miami Dolphins American football team.
Ernie Els is playing with his father Neels, and US Open champion Retief Goosen is partnered by his brother Francois.
Every team will play each of the three courses on the first three days, and a cut will be made on Saturday night for both the individual strokeplay event and the team competition. The top 60 individuals, and ties, will be joined by the leading 20 two-man teams in the final round at St Andrews.
Actors Grant, Douglas and Jackson spoke tonight of the excitement they (and the other amateurs) feel at being involved in a unique event. All three have enjoyed their practice rounds so far – and have a final chance tomorrow (Wednesday) to complete their preparation.
Heart-throb Grant, a 15-handicapper and self-confessed “golfing addict”, said: “It’s quite a responsibility to be paired with Sam Torrance, but I will be giving it my best shot.
“I have always wanted to get into the Ryder Cup team and this could be my chance! Seriously, it’s a great privilege to be playing with someone like Sam, and I’m very excited by the prospect.”
Douglas, who plays off 17, warned his partner Clarke: “My game is all over the place at the moment, but I am having a great time! This new format is very exciting and the three courses are magnificent.”
Jackson added: “I can’t wait to see if I stack up against the big boys and I’m really looking forward to playing with Lee.”
Cricket legend Ian Botham, the former England all-rounder, said: “My partner Woosie is in great form, having won the World Matchplay last weekend. All the courses are quite superb, but capable in their own way of spoiling your day! I’ve been practising quite a bit, which is unusual for me!”