Hong kong open: Beem upset after giving up spot

Former major winner admitted he was “bummed out” at missing the chance to play in the Hong Kong Open

HONG KONG:

Former major winner Rich Beem admitted Wednesday he was “bummed out” at missing the chance to play in the Hong Kong Open after he gave his place to Ian Poulter, allowing the Englishman to keep alive his Ryder Cup hopes.

The unusual last-minute request for Beem, who now plays part time, to drop out of the event was made after Poulter was suddenly pushed out of the world top 50 and saw his European Tour membership put in jeopardy.

Any player wishing to play for Europe in the Ryder Cup must retain European Tour membership and so European Tour officials asked Beem to step aside.

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“Am I bummed out I’m not playing this week? Absolutely. I came over to play and compete on this golf course and I really enjoy it,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 22^nd, 2015.

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