AmEx off as Ryder Cup doubts grow

New York has been devastated by the attacks

The American Express Championship in St Louis has been cancelled in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on America.

The start of the $5m event, part of the World Golf Championship series, had been postponed until Friday, with 21 players unable to reach Missouri.

World number two Phil Mickelson pulled out immediately after the attacks on New York and Washington DC.

After the cancellation, South Africa's Nick Price summed up the players' mood.

"I don't think golf was on anyone's mind," he said. "I think everyone would rather be home with their families."

Another PGA event, the Tampa Bay Classic, has also been postponed. Prize money from St Louis is being donated to the relief effort.

The cancellation throws more doubt on the likelihood of the Ryder Cup going ahead at the Belfry between 28-30 September.

Woods: "A very, very sad day for America."

Earlier in the day, Tiger Woods met with USPGA Tour officials to discuss both the AmEx event and the biannual USA v Europe match.

Asked whether the St Louis tournament or the Ryder Cup could go ahead, the world number one said: "I really don't know.

"I've got to talk to the (PGA) commissioner (Tim Finchem) about all the different scenarios about playing in the next few weeks.

"It's very tough for everybody."

Woods is due to fly to Paris on Monday to play in next week's Lancome Trophy, but said: "I wonder if I can even go."

He is not alone in having doubts over whether the Ryder Cup can go take place at the Belfry in Warwickshire.

Fellow American team member Mark Calcavecchia told the Daily Express: "We are due to fly out on Sunday week to England, and my guess is that is too soon after this tragedy.

Outrage

"We are all devastated by what has happened, so many innocent people killed.

"We were due to have dinner with the President at the White House before flying over to Britain, and that is not going to happen now.

"If someone wanted to strike at America, or freedom, or capitalism, the Ryder Cup would be a tempting event to hit

Stewart Cink

"I think you can forget about the Ryder Cup for a few months at least."

Former European Ryder Cup captain Mark James believes the event may not take place until 2003 following the outrage.

"My feeling would be that if it did not go ahead this time, we would just wait until 2003 and carry on from there," James told Sky Sports News.

"I am not sure either team could fit it in at such short notice."

American golfer Stewart Cink agreed with the sentiments of Calcavecchia.

'Huge target'

He said: "I feel a lot less safe about flying to England than I did 24 hours ago.

"I have a wife and two boys and do not want to make them live without a husband and without a father just because I want to play in the Ryder Cup.

I would support any action they want taken

Padraig Harrington

"The United States do not have many national sides in international competition, so this would be a huge target for any of America's enemies.

"I don't think the Ryder Cup should go ahead, but there are lots of questions that need to be answered over the next few days."

After a day of talks involving officials and players on both sides of the Atlantic the European Tour director of corporate affairs and public relations Mitchell said: "We are continuing our discussions.

"An official statement will be made by the Ryder Cup Board when these discussions have been completed."

Ireland's Padraig Harrington, a member of Europe's Ryder Cup side, said: "I would support any action they (the American team) want taken.

"There is no doubt this has hit the American players hard."