IMG STAND BY STRUGGLING KIWI DANNY LEE

FROM THE STUFF.CO.NZ WEBSITE
IMG are standing by their multi-million dollar deal with struggling Kiwi golfer Danny Lee.
Rumours have been circulating that Lee's continued poor form had thrown his near-$18 million deal on the rocks, with IMG – the same company which represents world No 1 Tiger Woods – getting ready to drop the New Zealander from their books.

Lee, who turned 20 last month, has only made eight cuts in 18 tournaments across the European and US PGA Tours this year and has failed to qualify for any of the four majors since turning pro in April 2009. His best finish in 2010 so far was tied for 21st at the BMW International Open in June.

But vice-president of golf for IMG Australia, David Rollo, denies the sports management giants have any concerns over Lee and are happy to afford him time to learn his trade.
"The rumours aren't true. There are no problems between IMG and Danny, that's not the case at all," Rollo told Sunday News. "Nothing could be further from the truth, we're very happy with Danny. Some players take more time to develop than others on the international tours and he's no exception.
"He's working his tail off and if you look at his scores over the past couple of months there's real progress."

The former amateur world No 1, who shot to fame in 2008 when he broke Tiger Woods' record as the youngest US Amateur champion, has slumped to 299th in the professional world rankings – well behind top Kiwi David Smail (206).

His sole European Tour win, as an amateur at the 2009 Johnnie Walker Classic, is a rare highlight.
But Rollo says Lee's contract does not require him to hold a certain ranking and the player is under no pressure from IMG.
"We stress to all the young players we look after, they've a 30-year-plus career ahead of them. They're not going to be judged by what they do next week, next month or next year but on a continual process," Rollo said.