Golf: Norman under fire for no-show

GREG NORMAN was criticised yesterday for failing to finish his final round of the South African PGA championship.

Officials later confirmed his disqualification after the Australian world No 2, who was paid $300,000 (pounds 187,000) to appear in the European co-sanctioned event, failed to arrive yesterday morning to complete his fourth and final round. He was eight-under-par after nine holes and in line for a top-10 finish.

The double British Open champion told tournament officials after the close of Sunday's play, which was interrupted by bad weather, that he did not intend to continue his round because of pressing engagements in the US. He left the country on Sunday night.

"I'm disappointed in Greg's decision not to conclude his final round. I consider his conduct injurious to the Southern Africa tour," the commissioner, Arnold Mentz, said.

Zimbabwe's Tony Johnstone, the eventual tournament winner, said he was surprised at Norman's decision: "I wouldn't have expected Greg to leave. I think that [$300,000] is worth an extra day."