ON THE SIDELINES : Faldo, Lyle Tour Report Denied

LONDON â€”  The agent for golf stars Nick Faldo and Sandy Lyle today denied rumors that the two Britons are considering withdrawing from the U.S. tour because of the PGA’s refusal to ease requirements for foreign golfers.

PGA commissioner Deane Beman said Monday that Masters champion Faldo and Lyle are believed to be considering quitting the American tour because of a decision by the PGA to retain a ruling requiring overseas players to compete in at least 15 events a year in order to keep their membership.

Many golfers, including Lyle and Faldo, had anticipated a reduction in PGA Tour commitments. But agent John Simpson of International Management Group said neither of them is considered giving up playing in America.