DP World Tour caddie hits out at ‘waste of an entry’ in Dubai field

Rory McIlroy opened his account for 2024 with a nine-under-par 62, but it was another name who caught the eye.

Not for his score, however, as mystery man Ken Weyand from the United States appeared on a sponsors invite.

While many wondered who filled the spot in the inaugural Dubai Invitational, it turned out to be the General Manager of Michael Jordan’s ultra-exclusive The Grove XXIII Golf Club.

Weyand went 16-over-par to sit 25 shots off the pace at Dubai Creek Resort, and his inclusion hasn’t gone down well with a current DP World Tour caddie.

Jamie Herbert, who loops for Eddie Pepperell, posted on X: “So, I know how important sponsors are, and it’s their prerogative who they invite, but a limited 60-man field, 2.5 million dollars, no cut.

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“This is a waste of an entry and I feel for the playing partners.

“The only people benefitting from this entry are the airline and hotel company, other than the sponsors, obviously.”

Meanwhile, Herbert’s player jumped onto social media in equal disgust over the invitee’s appearance.

“Limited man field, and old Ken Weyand gets an invite and then does this,” added Pepperell.

“I don’t care if he’s Ken from Barbie, it shouldn’t happen.”

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Weyand’s playing partner Richard Mansell was a winner in this case, though, as he replied in defence of the sponsors’ invite.

“Unfortunately, without the sponsors this event doesn’t happen. Whoever puts up the money has the final say. I played with Ken today. Great guy and invited me to MJ’s gaff.”

Mansell, who eased to a one-under-par 71, is one of 15 Englishman teeing it up in the event, with Pepperell not involved in the action.

The 2024 curtain-raiser is the first event of the DP World Tour’s ‘International Swing’, preceding the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club.

This week’s event, introduced under the leadership of Keith Pelley, will be played biennially from 2024 onwards.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.