Golfer sues over dog bite

The golfer says the injury has affected his game

A professional golfer, who lost part of a little finger in a dog attack, is suing for more than £1m.

Andrew Raitt, 33, claims the injury damaged his career because it affected his grip.

He told a High Court judge the 1995 attack at St George's Hill Golf Club in Weybridge, Surrey, had cost him more than £1m in past and future earnings.

Mr Raitt, from Weybridge, seeks damages from dog owner Jeremy Lunn of St George's Hill, for allegedly failing to control his German shepherd dog, Zomba.

Jeremy Lunn owns Zomba

The finger was shortened by 0.5 centimetres as a result of the bite.

Mr Raitt said it ruined his chances in the 1995 PGA European tour and damaged his potential as a Ryder Cup player.

Nicholas Stewart QC, Mr Raitt's counsel, agreed in normal circumstances the injury would be seen as trivial.

But he said: "It is agreed that he has changed his grip."

Mr Raitt was named English schoolboy champion in 1986.

Dog attacked

He turned professional in 1994 and was an assistant pro at the club at the time of the attack.

He is now ranked 320 on the European tour.

The court heard Mr Raitt had been walking his own dog, Nikki, when Zomba attacked his pet.

When he intervened he was bitten on his left little finger.

The defence claims the injury did not affect Mr Raitt's golf grip.

Career impact

Mr Stewart told Judge Sir Ian Kennedy that liability for the incident was not an issue.

He said it had been agreed at 80% in Mr Raitt's favour.

He said it was now for the judge to decide the extent of the dog bite's impact on Mr Raitt's career and the amount of damages.

The hearing continues.