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Australia's Lonard defends golf's 'party hole'

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-12-15 17:00

SYDNEY - Australian golfer Peter Lonard has rejected criticism of a so-called "party hole" at the Australian Open, saying an alcohol ban at sporting events would only keep fans away.

With a refined technique and the 2003 Australian Open title freshly in the bag, the future looks bright for Peter Lonard. [Agencies]

Lonard likened the 17th hole at Royal Sydney, a copy of the notorious party hole at the FDR Open in Phoenix, to a major race meeting.

"It's like people going to the races and never seeing a horse all day," the two-time Australian Open champion said on Monday.

"You want people to come out to the golf -- I don't think Australians go too far without a drink.

"As far as sporting things go, maybe if they cut out alcohol at all sporting events, I'd have to go and get a job, wouldn't I -- because no one would turn up."

Fellow golfer Robert Allenby attacked the concept after finishing his round on Sunday, saying it promoted alcoholism.

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Lonard responded, saying organisers were only trying to attract crowds.

"To me, golf has been suffering a little bit and you've got to find new and different ways to get people out to the golf," he said.

"It was all in good humour when I was there at the Open and I suppose it's the way you've just got to take it."