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.

RAMSAU, AUSTRIA - JULY 17: Deyen Lawson of Australia plays his second shot on the fifth hole during day three of the Euram Bank Open at Golf Club Adamstal on July 17, 2020 in Ramsau, Austria. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

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.

RAMSAU, AUSTRIA - JULY 17: Deyen Lawson of Australia plays his second shot on the fifth hole during day three of the Euram Bank Open at Golf Club Adamstal on July 17, 2020 in Ramsau, Austria. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

“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.

RAMSAU, AUSTRIA - JULY 17: Deyen Lawson of Australia plays his second shot on the fifth hole during day three of the Euram Bank Open at Golf Club Adamstal on July 17, 2020 in Ramsau, Austria. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

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.