Dwyer out to make the cut

John Dwyer took the phone call huddled in the driving bays that border the practice area at Wentworth. His sister Gráinne, who works for the Airport Police in London's Heathrow, provided the good news that his clubs had finally arrived in time for him to play an abbreviated practice round in preparation for the PGA Championship which begins today.

Dwyer's fate was shared by Eamonn Darcy and Royal Dublin assistant professional Neil Manchip, all three suffering the frustration of boarding a flight from Dublin yesterday morning only to discover their clubs had not made the journey in tandem.

Compounding their misfortune was the fact that the course closed at 5 p.m. yesterday, thus denying them a full 18 holes.

Dwyer catalogued their travails. "It's strange that they were left behind because the flight wasn't full. We were then assured that they would be in Heathrow by 11.10 a.m. but they still hadn't arrived at that stage."

A reconnaissance mission six weeks ago will stand to Dwyer, even though at that juncture, he felt the course was in poor condition.

"The fairways were quite raggedy and the greens were just OK. They did have bad weather then though. I like the layout."

Dwyer owes his presence at Wentworth to topping the Order of Merit last year in the PGA, Irish region, standings: Manchip finished second and so both received invitations to the tournament this week.

Ashbourne professional Dwyer has been in form recently. He finished a superb second behind Paul McGinley in the weather-affected Irish PGA Championship at Westport, has won already on the Irish circuit this season (Foxrock) and finished 10th at Slieve Russell.

These achievements are set against a backdrop of opening a new professional's shop in Ashbourne Golf Club.

"I have been so busy recently that I haven't had too much time to think about this tournament which is not necessarily a bad thing. I'm playing well, feeling confident about my game and my objective would be to go out and make the cut."

Dwyer, who once coveted a place among Europe's golfing elite, is content now with the occasional appearance (Volvo PGA, Irish Open, European Open, North West) this season.

"There was a stage a few seasons ago when I went to Tour Schools and it was my main target to try and get a tour card but now I feel comfortable playing in Ireland, running my shop and giving lessons.

"I don't know whether I would be able to stick it on a full-time basis. I've become a bit of a homebird really.

"I'm under no pressure here, just looking forward to playing and with a little luck over the weekend too."