Hill Arrives Late for Pro-Am, Disqualified From Senior Event

CONCORD, Mass. — Mike Hill learned the hard way: You can’t defend a Senior PGA tour championship if you don’t show up for the pro-am.

Hill, the defending champion of the Senior Bank of Boston Classic, was disqualified from the tournament Thursday when he failed to show on time for the pro-am event at Nashawtuc Country Club. A winner of more than $3.5 million since joining the Senior Tour in 1989, Hill was disqualified under a rule that requires fulfillment of pro-am obligations. The event begins today.

Tour director Brian Henning said he delayed Hill’s scheduled start by moving him from the first to the second group on the first tee in the morning. Henning said he waited another five minutes, then imposed a two-stroke penalty. When Hill didn’t show up, he was disqualified.

“I’m disappointed that it happened and feel bad for Mike and the fans that he wasn’t able defend his title,” tournament director Peter Mele said. “It was an unfortunate set of circumstances.”

Hill, winner of 16 Senior Tour events after winning only three times in 20 years on the regular tour, showed up later, but packed his bags and left without commenting.