Golf: Faldo's decision cheers Europe

There was good news for Wentworth, Seve Ballesteros and Europe yesterday when Nick Faldo announced that he will play in the Volvo PGA Championship from 23 to 26 May.

Faldo had originally said he was not returning from the United States Tour until just before the Open in July and his chances of an automatic place in the Ryder Cup looked slim. But prize money at Wentworth is pounds 1.1m, with pounds 183,330 going to the winner, and if Faldo is successful he may well not need one of the two wild cards on offer to Ballesteros, Europe's captain.

"I've decided to come back because I know the course so well and I always enjoy playing it," said Faldo, who won a record fourth PGA title over the West Course in 1989.

Also returning from the US Tour for Wentworth is the golfer who could benefit most from Faldo's decision. Sweden's Jesper Parnevik has made a brilliant start to the year, but is not a member of the European Tour, which makes him reliant on a Ryder Cup wild card. Faldo's entry means the entire 1995 European cup side will be on view.

Just six months after their greatest day in golf, India have been told there is no place for them in this October's Alfred Dunhill Cup at St Andrews. India beat the defending champions, Scotland, in the group stage last year, but the sponsors yesterday announced four changes in the 16- team line-up.

ALFRED DUNHILL CUP (St Andrews, 16-19 October): Argentina, Australia, England, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, United States, Zimbabwe.

John Daly, who signed a $10m (pounds 6.5m) endorsement deal with Wilson after winning the PGA Championship in 1991, was dropped by the equipment company yesterday on his 31st birthday. The American, who won the Open in 1995, recently admitted he was back drinking after having treatment at an alcohol rehabilitation clinic.