STEPHEN AND ROBERT AMES BATTLE THE WORLD IN GOLF

Today is the opening day of the World Golf Championship Barbados World Cup today.

The day's event started at 8:18 a.m. with the German team of Bernhard Langer and Marcel Siem, and the Jamaican pair of Peter Horrobin and Delroy Cambridge being the first out.

Trinidad and Tobago will be represented by Stephen Ames, the world No.36 ranked player, and his younger brother Robert.

"I think overall we're both looking for the experience," Stephen said. "Robert is definitely looking for some more experience getting some exposure playing against some of the great players.

"I think overall the opportunity of competing will be tough. We have some wonderful players that are here... I think on the whole if you finish anywhere within the Top 15 we'll be pleased."

Barbadians James Johnson and Roger Beale will make their debut at 10:30 a.m. alongside defending champions Stephen Dodd and Bradley Dredge of Wales.

. The absence of several of the world's top ranked players has been a topic for discussion. World No.1 Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Jim Furyk turned down the chance to represent the United States while Els and Retief Goosen opted not to play for South Africa.

This means Stewart Cink and J.J. Henry will fly the Stars and Stripes of the United States and Rory Sabbatini and Richard Sterne will team up for the Proteas.

" Cink chose Henry as his World Cup teammate largely because of their success together at this year's Ryder Cup, where they were among the lone American bright spots in another easy win by Europe.

Luke Donald, the high-flying England player, said something was taken away from the event when the leading players from the United States did not accept the invitation.

"Nothing against Stewart Cink or J.J. Henry. They are very strong players," said Donald, who will be partnered by David Howell. "But to have to go that far down on the list, it weakens the overall feel of the tournament just a little bit because they could potentially field a much stronger team."

Padraig Harrington, the Ryder Cup legend, said he understood the situation facing the Americans, but noted he was delighted to be representing Ireland. He will tee off at 9:42 a.m. alongside Paul McGinley.

"I would defend the Americans," Harrington told reporters after practice yesterday. "The Europeans, we're all playing in season now but it's out of season for the United States, so this date is particularly penal for them.

"This tournament needs a better date, and possibly every four years," added the Irishman, who celebrated his ninth wedding anniversary yesterday on the island where he had his honeymoon.

The tournament will be played in four-ball (best ball) competition today and Saturday, then foursomes (alternate shot) tomorrow and Sunday. The winners will take home US$1.4 million.

:: nationnews.com