Tevez the bagman steals the limelight

So the sight of Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez grinning broadly and giving the thumbs-up to the galleries lining the fairway as he carried the bag of Andres Romero was an unlikely one to say the least.

The 28-year-old’s affinity with golf has been well documented in the last year as it seemed he was photographed on the course in Argentina almost every day after walking out of City following a row with manager Roberto Mancini.

Tevez was at Royal Lytham yesterday to watch his compatriot shoot 77 – which was easily his worst score in three rounds by seven shots – but went one step further on the final day as he got onto the fairway as Romero’s caddie.

But if he was hoping to inspire the 31-year-old to a last-day rally he failed miserably as the Argentinian, who five years ago had a two-shot lead on the 17th tee in the final round of The Open at Carnoustie only to suffer a late collapse, carded a woeful 12-over round which dropped him to dead last. Romero, however, refused to blame his occasional bagman – who did little else apart from carry the clubs and attract unnecessary attention.

Walking down the last there were shouts of “Carlos” – or “Carlito” from the Spanish-speakers – even while the players were lining up their approaches.

The City striker appeared to be having a whale of a time, which is more than can be said for his golfing friend.

“Yes, I enjoyed the round. The course is beautiful,” said Tevez.

“The chance to walk along the course and to be around these great players is a pleasure and something unforgettable.

“It was good to enjoy the last day with him. This was the dream of everybody who plays golf. It was my first major!”

“It was difficult to carry the bag because it weighed so much but it was fine.”