Payne makes Milan return
Thursday 15 September 2016 08:31, UK
Former Rookie of the Year Jim Payne makes a rare appearance on the European Tour this week when he tees it up at the Italian Open.
Former champion takes up Italian Open exemption
Former Rookie of the Year Jim Payne makes a rare appearance on the European Tour this week when he tees it up at the Italian Open.
The 38-year-old, who won the accolade in 1992, dropped off the circuit seven years ago but has decided to take up his invitation to play in Milan as a past champion, having won there in 1996.
Now a club professional, Payne will play in Italy for the first time since 2002 as he assesses his options ahead of possible qualification for this year's Open Championship at his local Birkdale.
"I'm not sure why really - I'm still trying to work it out for myself. Let me come up with a reason," said Payne, who struggled with back and thumb injuries during he days on tour.
"I don't really play at all now, but I was at Turnberry about a month ago and just enjoyed it.
"I'm going to try to qualify for The Open again because it's near to me at Birkdale (he made it into the 2006 field at Hoylake) and this is a bit of a warm-up for that.
"I also might not play on Tour again because the longer you go without doing it the more difficult it will be to enter.
"I'm a bit aware that I'm taking a spot away from somebody else, so I want to do the best I can."
