Top Aussie golfer Deyen ‘Digger’ Lawson trapped overseas after airline ticket rort
A battling Aussie golf pro will remain trapped in Europe unless he and his fiance can raise an extra $10,000 for his return flight home to the Gold Coast.
Local sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A battler Aussie golf pro will remain trapped in Europe unless he and his fiance can raise an extra $10,000 for his return flight home to the Gold Coast.
Deyen ‘Digger’ Lawson received special exemption to travel to Austria to play on the European tour this month on the basis it was “in Australia’s best interests” for him to compete.
Two weeks later Australian border restrictions tightened to allow just 50 passengers per inbound flight.
Lawson says these restrictions have allowed First and Business Class passengers to return home while those with economy tickets are stuck in limbo, paying for their own accommodation as expenses soar.
The 29-year-old said the ordeal had left him physically and mentally beaten.
“I would never of (sic) left to go and play and represent Australia if I knew this would happen,” Lawson said.
“After countless hours with the help of PGA Of Australia and all there [sic] contacts, the only options were to wait 3 and a half weeks in Austria (paying for accom.) with the most likely outcome been [sic] bumped off that flight too or to upgrade my flight one way for $9000 on top of the $2,500 that I’ve already paid.
“Now myself and (fiance) Ali are left having to take off $11,500 off our mortgage to pay for my one way ticket.”
Lawson was informed his return flight on July 20 had been delayed by three weeks just hours after storming home with seven birdies in eight holes to lead Round Two of the Euram Bank Open, seven under-par.
Instead of celebrating he spent the night worrying about how he might afford his return flight home.
“I was feeling good about my game but was then left on the phone all night trying to figure out how I was going to get back,” Lawson said.
“Prior to leaving Australia I got the tick of approval from both Australian and Austrian Governments to play two tournaments on the European Tour in Austria.
“I had a return ticket confirmed.
“To be told that it was in Australia’s best interest to have me represent Australia on the European Tour and have approval to go and return home safely, then be denied access back in when (I had) already purchased the return flight well before the law had changed really isn’t fare [sic] at all.”
Lawson has appealed for public help to sponsor his escape from a European nightmare.
More to come.
Hockeyroo outcast reveals her next sporting move
Shunned Hockeyroo Rosie Malone has revealed the next step in her sporting journey and her new coach believes she could have played for Australia in this chosen sport.
How to face up against former Firebirds this Feb
A star-studded team of former Queensland Firebirds will lace up their netball shoes and return to the court to compete in next month’s Sunshine Challenge Netball Invitational at Nissan Arena. Here’s how you can rub shoulders with the greats: