Golf: Doyle loses job as Tour executive

ANDREA DOYLE was sacked as executive director of the women's European Tour yesterday and the New Zealand player Janice Arnold resigned as chairman of the Tour's board of directors.

Doyle, who held the post for 18 months, had been under attack from players for failing to attract more sponsors following the Solheim Cup victory over the United States last October.

Alison Nicholas and Dale Reid, who were part of the winning team, resigned from the board last week. Nicholas said at that time: 'The morale of the Tour is at rock bottom and everyone's confidence is at rock bottom.'

Laura Davies, the biggest international attraction in the women's game, had called on Doyle to resign. Doyle had responded by insisting that her position was a matter for the board to consider.

Terry Coates, a board member for the past year, has been appointed chairman and will also carry out the duties of chief executive for 'the foreseeable future'.

In announcing the changes yesterday the board 'expressed their gratitude to Andrea Doyle for her enthusiastic contribution to women's golf over the past 18 months'.

Terry Coles and John Armitage have also been appointed as non-executive directors.