Westwood Rejects, McDowell Accepts PGA Tour Membership
by Ryan Ballengee on Oct 6, 2010 6:01 PM EDT
in Pro Golf
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PrintDays after the Ryder Cup closed at Celtic Manor, a couple of heroes from the victorious European squad had decisions to make. With wins on the PGA Tour in 2010, both Graeme McDowell (US Open) and Lee Westwood (Memphis, though it was handed to him) were eligible for full Tour membership.
Lee Westwood rejected it, saying of the FedExCup:
"I don't want to be dictated to by having to go to America to play FedExCup when it doesn't really mean that much to me. It doesn't mean enough to me anyway.
"I think[the PGA Tour] would like me to go and be a member there, but as of Monday evening I became an individual again and I do what's right for Lee Westwood now."
And Ryan Ballengee thinks that is just great for the European Tour. Then again, Westwood is majorless and has two career victories in the United States. So the guy who could become number one in the world has 69 fewer PGA Tour wins than the second place guy. Sure, that makes sense.
Graeme McDowell accepted his Tour card, but vowed to maintain a split schedule more reminiscent of Padraig Harrington than Justin Rose and Paul Casey, two guys who spend the bulk of their tournament time in the States - and ultimately paid for it with Ryder Cup snubs.
McDowell need not worry about retribution from a spiteful captain with no success on these shores, though. It's a Pres Cup year in 2011, and that gives McDowell a free pass to dip his toes in the waters of capitalism.
{H/T Shack for the BBC link]
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perhaps a do-over is in order ?
Oh my lord….RB goes THIRD PERSON ???? Say it ain’t so.
That has got to be the worst excuse for not playing on the PGA Tour i’ve ever heard. No Tour player is forced to play in the FEC playoffs or even the Tour Championship. The reason guys WANT to play in the playoffs is….drumroll please….MONEY !!!! Is there something wrong with Westie’s memory ? Didn’t he win the Race to Dubai last year ? And the reason pros want to win the RtD is……..all together now….MONEY !!!!!! The FEC and the RtD have no real deep seeded standing in golf history. They are all about the cash.
Unless those 69 wins somehow came in the last two years, that argument doesn’t hold much water.
(LMAO !! Watching the Reds v Phillies – one of the Phillies just got an intentional walk, and TBS kept their pitch placement graphic on the screen)
Pssst – news flash – the European Tour – regardless of the socialist politics of the countries involved – IS capitalism.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
The Race To Dubai is the finale of the season Court and it is one tournament. The Fedup is four and means he is away from home for at best, four weeks. He has kids and it’s right in the middle of the school holidays. Dubai is not. I think it’s great to see someone put home and family at the top of their priorities for a change.
It’s the same idea – buid up points for a season then play for the big bucks. FEC is just a different format – but still starts with the season.
I didn’t say Westwood was wrong – I said RB’s post needs some editing. And a lot of guys on the PGA Tour are not from America – and they bring their families to live in the States.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
I guess it was more provocative to use that quote from Lee
rather than “The Fedex Cup does sit right in the middle of the kids’ summer holidays and I like going on holiday with them for a couple of weeks.”
I don’t have any issue with Paul Casey & Luke Donald living/playing in the States. Met & married there. Poulter had v. young kids ,same goes for some of the other Euro players, so school holidays not an issue; McIlroy and GMac unmarried, no kids. I just don’t understand RB’s spite towards Lee(& Monty) for not becoming PGA Tour members, playing Fedex.
It’s nice to have choices. There are people from America living and working abroad, too.
When is the summer break over there ? Kids here are usually out from the end of May first part of June until the end of August or first part of September.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Obviously it's nice to have choices
What’s your point? If one lives & works abroad, one simply fits in with the work/holiday schedule of that country.
Unless it has changed considerably since I had to take it into account, school holidays here are from late July to early September – about 6 wks.
You were making a big deal out of European players bringing their families over here so they would all be together while dad goes off to make a lot of money for the family. The problem was you saying that moving a family overseas (especially to the evil US of A) is a bad thing to do.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Oh for heaven's sake Court
I was simply pointing out that some of the younger Euro players had no wives/ children to take into account, or the children were too young for schooling to be an issue. You seem to think that EVERYONE wants to live in the USA and are insulted that they might actually prefer to live & work in their own countries. Tell me where I have ever suggested that moving a family overseas is a bad thing to do, pls? I’m an ex-International Assignments Manager for IBM, so suggest you are not only skating on thin ice – you’re in the drink.
I guess the fact that I said that there are Americans living abroad went right over your head ? Just didn’t register ? Thought I was just making it up ?
I never said anything about being insulted – I never said that Westwood should come play in the US. And I have no idea what your former job has to do with anything. So far, you’ve missed every possible point anybody has made on this post.
My first post had almost nothing to do with Westwood – it was about the original post from RB having so many holes.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
You just don't take the time to read & digest
before firing, Court.
1. You said “It’s nice to have choices. There are people from America living & working abroad, too.” I replied “What’s your point?” so your remark did not go over my head, or not register – I simply didn’t understand the point you were making with your remark and asked you to clarify.
2. My former job involved posting families worldwide – yes, Court, including Americans, and Europeans to USA and I have lived and worked abroad in several countries where gosh oh golly, there were actually Americans too. You stated “The problem was you saying that moving a family overseas (especially to the evil US of A) is a bad thing to do”. I asked you to tell me where I had ever made such a remark (which you ignored of course). I therefore think mention of my former job doing EXACTLY THAT was relevant and a reasonable rebuttal of your unsubstantiated remark. Your inclusion of the words ( “especially to the evil US of A”) indicates that you feel I have slighted you and the USA. I repeat I never made the remark you have accused me of.
Your comments re “never saying that Westwood should come play in the US/your first post having almost nothing to do with Westwood” were originally addressed to Chip. I have no idea why you are now repeating them to me.
It’s a similar idea, but not anywhere near the same. The Race For Dubai is the culmination of the season with big tournament to conclude it. The Fedex will not necessarily identify the best player over that year, rather the one who plays well for those four weeks. Dubai is an Order Of Merit – Fedex is a trumped up Tim plan to compete against your football season. How many more years do you give it?
Perhaps he and his family are quite happy living where they do and don’t want to live in the US? Hard to imagine I know, but….. she says tongue firmly in cheek!
And you think the RtD identifies the best player of the year ? Not possible. I don’t think either event has ever claimed that they are crowning the best player of the year.
Order of Merit doesn’t exist anymore.
FEC does the same thing just with a points system leading to three poorly named “playoff” events and a final championship tournament. The only thing that is crownd is the FEC champion.
Don’t stick Finchem with the idea – this is more marketing and an attempt to give the end of the season some sort of closure….except for those post-post season events. :-D
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Irrelevant of how worthy the FedEx Cup is to determine the best golfer...
it is poor form for Westwood to turn down US PGA Tour membership like this. Remind me not to invite him to dinner, he would tell me my toddler is unruly and the color of my family room is garish.
There is nothing wrong with having a comfort level playing in Europe; just say that.
exactly. which is why I called crap on Westwood’s answer. The only negative of saying that you prefer to stay home to play in Europe is the media calling you a wimp for “avoiding” the top players in the world on the PGA Tour…which is baloney since he’ll be over here playing at least 3 majors and 3 WGC’s, and probably a few more for preparation. And who really cares what the tripe in the media say as long as your play backs you up ?
(and just what garish color IS your family room ?) :-D
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
CG - You called crap on the part of Westwood's answer
that RB chose to use. TwoNuse – if RB had used the whole of Lee’s answer would you still feel it was poor form for him to turn down US PGA membership? Your use of the phrase “comfort level” also suggests some kind of avoidance (cowardice?) of US tournaments – he’ll be playing all the big ones.
It's the usual arrogant view of some Wendy
The real comfort level is on the PGA tour. They are reluctant to cut their teeth on the world stage where they would have to play a variety of conditions and fields that would really test their games. It’s ok for Phil to stay at home with his family, but not Lee when it is on another tour. Double standards if you ask me.
I have not an ounce of a problem with Westwood turning down the US PGA Tour membership
but there is no reason to denigrate one of the US PGA Tour’s signature events in the process.
There has been considerable US denigration
of Fedex, including on this website . Is that OK as long as it doesn’t come from a foreigner? He simply said it wasn’t important to him. Personally I have appreciated the opportunity of watching good tournaments/great players in the autumn.
a little defensive today, Wendy ? (lol) It’s a simple question – nobody is putting Westwood down for his choice – just wondering why a guy who is usually so positive about the game and the tours felt a need to take a shot at something on the PGA Tour just to back up his decision.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
You speak with forked tongue
There has been considerable put down of Westwood for his choice, not least from Ryan in this blog.
Really ? Show me one instance on this page where Westwood has been put down for his choice.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Have you actually read Ryan's blog, Court?
It’s a total put-down.
I have made several references here about the vitriol expressed on Yahoo’s Devil Ball Golf blogs following Westwood’s decision. You know, the one Ryan is going to write for.
The denigration I referred to using the words “not least on this website” was regarding Fedex, not Lee’s choice. Hope you don’t spray your golf shots as badly as you spray bullets on here trying to hit something, anything?
There is a difference between the shots the media or people on a website take at the FedEc Cup...
and a shot from the soon to be #1 player in the world.
Sigh – once again – I said I have no problem with Westwood’s choice – it’s where he wants to play. What I called crap on was him not just saying “I like the European Tour and it’s where I choose to stay”, he went on and on sounding like he would be forced to play the FEC – which isn’t true. If a player doesn’t want to play in the playoffs, he just says he doesn’t want to play. Mickelson and Woods have booth skipped events. As long as you play in the required number of events, you’ve lived up to your obligation to the Tour.
The guys play in the FEC because it is big money and they are professionals who do what ?….play golf for…MONEY ! So they all want to play where they have a chance to play the most money.
I see what you mean about the phrase “comfort level” – and there can be some “Peter Principle” thoughts that can go with it, and you chose to put them on what I said. But I never said anything about Westwood being afraid to play on the PGA Tour. That would be really dumb since he plays at least 6 and usually at least 7 huge events in the US, so you misinterpreted what I said.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Court - If you read my post carefully
you will see that my query re “comfort level” was addressed to TwoNuse, not you. You had already pointed out that it was baloney that Lee was avoiding the top players, so no misinterpretation on my part.
The 'comfort level' phrase was not a loaded term
Westwood obviously likes to have his golf base in Europe, where he is from. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. There isn’t any avoidance, he will play in the majors, WGCs and most likely targeted touraments in the states that fit his schedule.
I do wonder if he will defend his title at the St. Jude Classic, a tournament he almost didn’t get to play in becasue he wasn’t a US PGA Tour member (and endorsed UPS in a Fed Ex town). He only played in it because the US Open was the next week.
So why did you react
as though he had insulted your family and your home when he simply didn’t want to play Fedex so that he could spend our summer holidays with his kids? Of course he played St. Jude because the US Open was the next week – what’s your issue with that?
I was making an analogy...
that Westwood didn’t have to say anything bad about the US PGA Tour when hr declined membership. He very easily could have left out the ‘Fed Ex Cup means little to me’ crack, even if it is true.
As for St. Jude, originally he was turned down for a spot in the tournament. While I am sure he would be welcomed back with open arms as the defending champion, would he agree to go, considering only public knowledge of the snub compelled the tournament to extend an invitation. And would the US PGA Tour quietly let it be known that Westwood is persona non grata for his public shunning of the membership invite?
Kind of hard to treat the #1 ranked player in the world that way, isn’t it ? Westwood isn’t the first player to say “thanks, but I like where I am” to the PGA Tour. Michael Campbell said no after winning the US Open. Oosthuizen hasn’t made up his mind. Has Kaymer committed one way or another ?
Hey Wendy – when Tiger was winning British Opens and other events on the European Tour, were there ever things said about him switching Tours since he had won on the Euro Tour ? It’s not like the guys over there have never played the game before.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
It never occurred to me (or the UK press - can't answer for Europe)
that Tiger would switch tours. Can’t for the life of me think of a single reason why he would do so either.
Most of the last 12 years, Tiger would have won the Order of Merit / Money list for the European Tour if he had a card and played one or two more tournaments over there.
He’s won the British, not to mention the other three majors, and a very large number of WGC’s – any of which would have gotten him a European Tour card if he had chosen to accept. It works the same way for the PGA Tour. Win a major, win a WGC, win a PGA Tour event, and you are eligible for a PGA Tour card.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
The British What?
Never heard of it.
Would have/could have – didn’t.
If Tiger had wanted a European Tour card of course he would have received it – I honestly haven’t got the faintest idea of what you’re on about – the point you’re trying to make? Appreciate an explanation as I wish to avoid deep puzzlement marks on my forehead.
I never understood playing in Memphis as a warm up for Pebble Beach. The courses aren’t anything alike, and that brutal weather in Memphis can really drain you
Thanks for the back up on “comfort level”.
Wendy – how does the phrase “I have not an ounce of a problem with Westwood turning down the US PGA Tour membership” confuse you into thinking TN had gotten his feelings hurt by Westwood’s choice ?
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
I think you need to read his first post on the subject
where he felt his family/home were being insulted by Lee’s decision.
I did read it – read it several times since the first time I read it – and you’re still wrong. Where the heck do you see him saying ANYthing about himself or his family in Westwood’s decision ? All he said was that Westwood took an unnecessary shot at the PGA Tour with his answer. Westwood probably didn’t even intend it to be a put down of the PGA Tour – it just came out wrong.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
You're being obtuse, Court
“Remind me not to invite him to dinner, he would tell me my toddler is unruly, and the color of my family room is garish” personalises Westwood’s decision & his explanation.
Perhaps if Ryan hadn’t been so selective in his quotes, it might not have come across as such a putdown either.
the dumb thing about the Fed Ex
no one is being dictated to about playing it..but there is pressure from Fincham to do so. He knows if players turn their backs on it, it will soon die. So 10 million is the bait…Court thinks that is all pro golfers play for. Fincham will hope that is the case, or he might have to offer 15 million. If that kind of money is needed to ensure the top players play it, it shows that the tournament is doomed in the long run. There is a very good chance a fit Westwood could win it with a 3 or 4 week commitment. What does he get for this ? Apart from the money , very little. Nothing more than a meaningless title that no one will care about. Winning a major is so much bigger, no one even mentions the prize money, the glory in winning the major is enough. Westwood knows this very well, having seen Monty miss out so often, he wants the best chance for him to win at least one. American pride takes a dent when an overseas player says no thanks. Money can’t buy everything you know.
Ok Eas – is the RtD different ? It’s a season long drive to get into a tournament for one REALLY big check. Why aren’t you making these comments about that ? And the same thing goes for that big tournament – if one of the big names on the European Tour decided they had something else to do, they wouldn’t lose their Tour card for skipping it – but you can bet that there would be some eyebrows raised, articles written, and fans disappointed because they CHOSE not to play.
Same thing goes for the FEC.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
The RtD is the old Order of Merit
that Monty won 8 times. It never meant a lot when Seve, Faldo, Langer, Lyle and Woosnam won it. In ‘93, Monty’s first OOM title, he played more tournaments than Faldo, who finished 2nd. Faldo was far more annoyed he just missed out on the Open and PGA. It’s never been a big deal, the final event for it, that was only re named the Race to Dubai to counter the Fed Ex cup series. Both the RtD and the FEC mean little on their own. The FEC already had tournaments in it’s place before and is just another name with more money to it.
Time zones from here take a bit of getting used to court.
that was his main reason for playing there.
Full time members feel obliged to play the Fed Ex cup
As Westwood’s fellow countrymen Casey Donald and Rose did. All he really said was he didn’t want to play in the States full time. If he did, he would also feel obliged. And as he wants his family raised in England, it is natural to stay at home. Americans, more than anyone else, should understand this. As you say court, he takes on the world’s best players in all the big events already. All this topic is really about is that some of the best players in the world prefer to play in Europe. As Lee has won about 5 million dollars worldwide this year alone, he probably has enough. Majors are his priority…he knows if he wins a few he will complete his career and be an all time great. If not, all the money in the Fed Ex world won’t be enough to compensate. Winning the Fed Ex ? Furyk would trade 3 wins for another major and you know it.
It’s not an oblligation – why is this so difficult ? It is a shot to make $10 million, plus a chance to win large amounts of cash in the three smaller than full field events leading up to the Tour Championship. This isn’t a major – these guys are playing for money. The FEC could go away in a year or two and nobody would miss it outside of the players, their families, and their caddies.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
This is obviously difficult for you
No 1 Westwood has enough money. The Fed ex is a 4 week commitment he wouldn’t want to keep. If he was a PGA tour member, he may feel obliged to…he wouldn’t have to, however…Casey Donald and Rose could have missed it if they wanted to.
No 2. He wants to win majors. He has 3 3rds and 2 2nds in the last few years. Why change tours and uproot his family ? Els has decided to…is he any better ? No.
No 3. You said it yourself…the FEC could go away and nobody would miss it. Even the players wouldn’t…it’ll be dead in 3 years, IMO.
I posted this on another blog here ...
I know it’s the Golf Channel..but read this the other day..
NEWPORT, Wales – PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem expects some form of a “world tour” in golf in the future, even if he’s not around when it takes shape.
Europe already has one, with sanctioned tournaments on five continents. The PGA Tour is going to Malaysia later this month, returns to Shanghai for a World Golf Championship and has Japan on its wish list.
The trick is to get everyone on the same page.
“I think that at some point in time, men’s professional golf will become integrated globally,” Finchem said. “Now, what form that takes, whether it’s a total integration, whether it’s a FIFA-type, I don’t know. One question is how the competition is organized. Another question is how the organizational structure behind it is organized. The first one is the key thing.”
One reason Finchem believes a world tour is inevitable is marketing and sponsorship, which includes the players. Phil Mickelson is sponsored by Barclays, which promotes tournaments in Singapore, Scotland and New York. He is playing all of them this year.
The U.S. tour also has such multinational title sponsors as Deutsche Bank and BMW (both playoff events), Accenture and Zurich.
“I think it’s a matter of time,” Finchem said. “Golf generally is a splintered sport, multi-organizational at every level. But there’s movement. The last 15 years there’s been a lot of movement. I would see that continuing to develop toward integration.”
That was after the Ryder Cup on Monday. Still think it won’t happen court ?
reading this court, Westwood basing himself at home makes more sense, bearing in mind golf is spreading around the globe, even though you seem to think otherwise. Wake up mate…the PGA tour is but part of golf, not 99% of it.
There you go again with the “enough money” stuff. Nice of you to determine how much is enough for someone. If he has enough, he would just retire.
FEC is NOT a committment – it is an opportunity to play for huge money – which is what professionals do.
Where are you getting this idea that I think he should change tours ?
Guess what – the Race to Dubai could do the same thing – in fact – half of the RtD went away before they even got to the first championship. They ran out of money…something I’ve noticed that Fed Ex hasn’t done.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
He won't retire
He wants to win majors and play more Ryder Cups. If it was money he wanted above all else…as you suggest pro golfers do…he would play full time on the US. Top players can pick their events that suit them and their familes…wait for it…because they are rich enough to do so…therefor they don’t need to chase the money…it’s majors they want. Tom Kite used to be referred to as the all time leading money winner in the US…he did win a US Open at the age of 42..but the money he won didn’t make him a great player. Majors do. To go on about money the way you do is an American illness commentators have. If Lee Westwood never got another penny from golf, he would retire happy. If he dosn’t win Majors, he will remain unfulfilled as a golfer. That is his priority. Not earning money.
So you’re suggesting that he play in the tournaments for the tin pots and just give away all the prize money because, as you said, he has enough money.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
CG, a middle of the road player can have one good weekend a year and be a multi-millionaire. How much money is enough for any one individual? If one’s sole motivation in life is accumulation of money, that’s greed. I feel sorry for you if you can’t see beyond that.
"(I)f you think you've got an inside track to absolute truth, you become doctrinaire, humorless and intellectually constipated." Saul Alinsky
Really ? One weekend ? Which weekend is that ? I’m going to give you credit and answer like you meant a solid season PLUS one good weekend to WIN more than two million dollars – and then I’m going to hope that you realize that the money they collect each week isn’t tax free, so they have to write checks for more than half of that money to Uncle Sam for taxes and other welfare bills they have to pay into PLUS state and local taxes….then they have to pay their caddy, their management, many a coach, many a mental coach, room and board, transportation, and the like. So these “multi-millionaires” as you call them, are lucky to takea couple of hundred thousand home from each of those millions. Then they have to pay for the mortgage, food, clothing, and whatever other bills they have around the household.
Multimillionaires. Brilliant.
And no – that’s not the definition of greed – but nice try.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Court, Westwoods actions show he dosen't chase dollars..
he wants to win majors. And he thinks the best way to do that for him is to stay in Europe.I don’t see how you can continue to ignore this simple fact. What do don’t seem to like is that someone like me can say “Westwood has enough money already”…when most golf fans can see that he dosen’t chase the dollars, for him, as he has stated, staying in Europe is the best way of keeping his family in good order whilst trying to win those majors…in his words. You keep driving the political issue all the time and in doing so miss the point every time.
There is nothing noble in Westwood's decision to play on the European Tour
There isn’t anything nefarious or cowardly in his choice either.
To put it in laymans terms, he chose a job with slightly less pay but a better commute.
By the way Eas, I wouldn’t choose a golfer who is almost Daly-esque in his endorsement patches as an example of someone not chasing the almighty dollar.
You might not Two's..
personally, I think Wesstwood looks sharp every time he tees it up. Daly looks like a clown, so that’s not a good comparison. Endorsements are part of the game and yet another reason as to why the top players don’t need to go for the biggest pot available if it dosen’t suit them.
Endorsements are great
but you can’t say Westwood doesn’t chase dollars when he has multiple advertisements on his golfing attire, including one for that small amateur outing called The Race to Dubai.
All professional golfers chase dollars. Or pounds. Or euros. Or yen. Some are more obvious than others, but they all do.
If someone offers you a million to wear a badge you are going to take it.
That’s not chasing, you are getting chased because you are hot. On the planning of your year however, you can chase the loot, or chase the majors. Faldo never gave a damn about winning the money lists, but he did care about winning the big majors. Norman won the money lists and just 2 majors. Norman would swap those lists for a few more majors anytime.
An endorsement contract means more than a patch on a polo shirt
There is a time committment the golfer has to adhere to; commercials, appearances, etc. So, even though Westwood isn’t running off to New Orleans for a big checkan he is running off to the UPS headquarters for their events. Nothing wrong with that, but he is exchanging time for money in a way that does nothing for his chances to win majors.
As for the Faldo/Norman comparison, the idea that Norman was driven more for cash than championships is misguided IMHO. While Norman definately has a strong entrapeneurial (sp) streak, no one gets to be the consensus #1 in the world driven just by the filthy lucre.
BTW, just 2 majors? We should all be so fortunate to have not only two majors, but to be a miracle Larry Mize pitch shot away from 3.
by TwoNuse on Oct 9, 2010 1:08 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Yes, just 2 majors
Most people would agree he should have had at least 6. Norman didn’t dial back, went for broke all the time. The Mize chip was a miracle, but he threw others away going for the pins when he didn’t have to.
As for sponsors, every golfer has them and has those commitments. That is nothing new in golf.
But your argument wasn't "Norman didn't know how to dial it back depending on the circumstances'
it was ‘Norman went for the dollars and his golf suffered, unlike Faldo, who focused on championships’.
We agree on sponsorships, there is nothing new about them. But it does put a hole in your ‘Westwood doesn’t worry about money; only championships’ thesis.
Once again, all professional golfers chase cash. If they were only worried about titles, they could keep their amateur status.
The debate about this
was about the very top of the game…players who have amassed millions who, according to court, play for money. Yes, that is true, but this all started when Westwood declined his PGA card, Fed Ex etc etc. My point was that when a top player has made a fortune, he doesn’t need to chase cash as you put it, he might focus on majors. Norman joined the PGA tour full time, won the money list 3 times. Money was big in Normans life. After losing the Masters in ’96, he even said, life is not bad, I have 40 million bucks. Says a lot about him.
His inability to dial it back going for pins cost him at least 5 majors IMO. The dial it back comment was directed at you about the “just 2 majors”…Norman blew it on the major count as we all know. He had the talent for 10, if not more.
but he still plays for the money – there is no way around it. He still accepts the checks at the end of the week. The money is still important. The few that get to play for history just don’t have to dwell on the idea of where their next meal is coming from.
Eas – you’re romanticizing this too much. History is great – but the paycheck still has to come in.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Money....for winning tournaments...
is not the first thing on Lee’s mind…can I make it any clearer ???
Faldo, like Westwod, knew that if he won tournaments, the money list would take care of itself. It’s not that hd doesn’t care about the money, it’s that he knows that playing golf to his high standards brings the money with it.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Now you are getting the idea.
Top players focus on the best tournaments…majors. The rest takes care of itself. Westwood said that turning down the biggest paycheck in golf (Fed Ex )didn’t matter to him.He would rather win a major. And his plan for next year suits him best for that goal. Why is that seen as a bad thing for him ?
See if this makes sense, Eas. There are different levels of players on these tours. There are the guys who grind it out year after year after year hoping they can make enough to keep their card and have this great job every year. Yes – they WANT to win, but securing the card is their first priority. Hard to win that way, but that’s where they are in their career.
Then there are the mid level players who are confident in their ability to make cuts and finish high enough that the card is pretty much a no brainer each year. Wins don’t usually come from this bunch, but now and then they pop up.
Then there are your top 50 types – a good number of guys who get wins every year or two, but they’re not looked at as top level champions. Guys like Brian Gay, Rich Beem, John Daly.
THEN you get to the champions. The guys who win every year – are expected to win every year – and many are the guys you even expect to win multiple times each year. These guys are over the hump of not only thinking about money, but they are over the anxiety that comes with closing out a tournament. These guys expect to be around the top if not at the top week in and week out. Doesn’t always work out that way, but that’s their mental expectation.
This is where Westwood is. He is mentally above the money worries – but you can count on the fact that if he’s not bringing home the big checks, Mrs Westie will be getting a little concerned because their style of living requires that he still bring home the checks. He’s planning for his kids future. He’s involved in charities on a foundation level.
These are the guys you and I look at and say “WOW ! Look at the money this guy brings in – that’s CRAZY !” because we’ll never see that kind of money short of a miracle invention or winning the lottery.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Good description of different levels of pro's court. Like I didn't know.
All this time we have debated this topic I have only been going on about Champions. Top players. With your paranoia about the political situation in the US and the world, you have this daft idea I want to limit what pros earn. Nothing of the sort. Westwood, by his own admission, many times in the last few years wants to focus on majors. His way. Money no longer drives him. he secured his card many years ago in Europe…to date has won 22 million Euros…and gets sponsored hansomely too. He dosen’t need to look at Tiger and Phil and say, “gosh, I need to get to their earning level”. His "lifestyle " as you put it is well taken care of. Set for life. At 37, he may have 5 good years left, then will probably get into course design. By then, his kids will have their own lives to lead. Finally and this is important, You might go “Wow ! Look at the money this guy brings in- that’s crazy !…possibly because you live in a country where that is rammed down your throat on TV where every time a player is over a putt and misses a 3 footer some fool behind a mike says” that miss has just cost him 60,000 bucks". I can assure you the majority of fans here do talk about the money top stars earn, but never in that context. It’s almost normal for commentators in the US to talk about how much Tiger and Phil earn. Why ? Who cares ? So many in the US seem to envy rich people, they seem to think that is all there is to life. Some here do too, but no where near as much. I feel sorry for them. Why waste precious time with envy for others ? I’d rather hear about the shot in hand.I marvel at their skills but if Tiger gets 100 million off Nike or 200 million, so what ? When Tiger went to Australia to play there before he lost his other driving skills off the golf course, it was reported he would get 3 million for turning up. If that was the only reason he went, then I feel sorry for him. As the richest sportsman in the world, even you would admit he didn’t need it. He could have gone because it was a great place in the world to play. His fans could have seen him in person. If those were two of the reasons he played, credit to him. If, however he went just because he was getting paid 3 million, as the richest sportsman in the world, he is just plain greedy. It must be wonderful to be rich, of course, but there is a limit as to how much one accually needs. You don’t agree…there is no limit. I agree no one should set a limit, that’s not right. But there is a limit one needs. Ironic he has all this money, but so sad inside with it. There is a difference between need and greed. Tiger is rare, he gets it all, money and majors. But many top pro’s deep down inside need a major far more than the next 5 million. Furyk can say all he wants about how great it was winning the FEC, but you know he would have rather won another major instead. Westwood knows this already…he has painfully missed out more than he cares to admit.
How is it a “daft” idea when YOU keep saying that he has plenty of money ? That he doesn’t need any more ? That money doesn’t mean anything to him ?
We agree that he’s not counting the dollars a missed put “costs” him – at least not until he gets home. These guys are loaded – but they are still playing for money.
We agree that thinking about the money is secondary to us watching great golf. Announcers drive me nuts when they sit around trying to make things dramatic by counting dollars.
This all goes back to a misunderstanding. I never said Westwood should come to the States to play on the PGA Tour. I never said he was avoiding anything. If you’ll read through what I said, I always said it was his choice, and he’s already going to face off with the world’s best at least 7 or 8 times a year (Majors and WGC’s and The Players). And we haven’t even brought up the European Tour players who beat up on the US Ryder Cup team – that’s a great tour.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
My point to you is that the top players
think more about titles than the money . Therefore, they don’t need the Fed Ex mess…which this whole thing began when Westwood made his comment about it.
The richest active athlete on the planet – Tiger Woods – played his butt to win the $10 million for the FEC – twice. He didn’t give a rat’s hind parts about that goofy trophy (which still doesn’t have any lip prints on it)
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
If he had pressure from Fincham to play it...
I can understand why he did. If he did it to support his tour, fine. But if he did it for money…he is greedy. The trouble is, you highlight the money way too much. It’s not the be all and end all to mega rich sportsman…
LOL – that’s funny – Finchem putting pressure on Tiger ?
You really need to work on that definition of “greedy”.
And who is highlighting the money ?
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Why is that funny ?
Tiger is not bigger than the PGA tour. No one wanted the Fed Ex except the people that run it. It is logical to think that Fincham, for the sake of the Fed Ex, would want Tiger to play.
Greed…more than you need. Now winning, greed is good. It is a contest. More money than you will ever spend, it becomes greed and power. If Tiger played for money alone, that is greed.
Highlighting the money ? You did…in your very first post. But I’ll let you off. You can’t help that, being American :)
Tiger weilds a LOT of power. Thankfully, he hasn’t been one to exploit it for his own purposes – but for most of his career, there there have been issues where the Tour officials bent to please Tiger. The idea being “what would happen to us if Tiger just decided to pack up and go to Europe because we didn’t give him what he wants.”
Caddies are allowed to wear shorts because Tiger spoke up. There was talk of requiring more tournament appearances – that didn’t go very well after Tiger spoke up on the issue. Tiger and Phil lead the charge to get the schedule redone so there could be an off season.
Better read that first post again. The whole thing was poking holes in RB’s arguments. (the title makes that more than clear) My comment about the money was that Westwood’s “reason” for not going to play the PGA Tour was bogus. There is no requirement that a player play in the FEC playoffs if he doesn’t want to – but a professional golfer – ie a player who plays golf for a living – looks forward to the playoffs because there is a whole lot of money available – the last two tournaments don’t even have cuts ! Show up – play some golf – get a really nice check. But there is no requirement that anybody play.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
For now, Tiger is the PGA tour's cash cow.
on the topic of tour appearances, that’s weak, as the PGA tour and the Euro tour work together more than ever. They will be one tour soon anyway…so the thought of trying to keep players on the PGA tour is waning. The Fed Ex was the last attempt. They can’t “make” anyone play, but they can try to nudge them in that direction. That was what Westwood was on about, he knows they couldn’t force him…but the obligation is certainly there.
I'm assuming RB used 3rd person to emulate/mock
Lee’s usage of it.
A rather petty blog IMO – he’s not spurning you personally, Ryan! I mean Matt Kuchar tweeted that he was now back “in the best country in the world – USA” but I don’t take his obvious pride and love in his own country as an insult to mine.
It’s hardly Lee’s fault the way the OWGR works either, is it? I haven’t done the maths, but it appears that Lee would go to no. 1 simply by not playing for the next couple of weeks (the no. of events divisor) but has chosen to try and play his way to it at Gleneagles, etc, although I suppose as they are not PGA events, you don’t think they should count. He’ll be playing plenty of events in the US (taking on the big boys), just not as a PGA Tour member.
Might be an idea to doublecheck the no. of events Casey & Harrington played in Europe
before giving free rein to your own prejudices?
headline: US B-52s Carpet Bomb OWGR Headquarters
With the ascent of Englishman and non-PGA Tour member, Lee Westwood, to the number one position in the World Golf rankings, today the PGA Tour announced it had contracted with the US Air Force to bomb the OWGR headquarters back to the Stone Age. In a statement released by the PGA Tour’s Tim Finchem, the reason behind the attack is, “it’s unfathomable that anyone who is not a full-time member of the PGA Tour should be ranked the best golfer in the world.” Finchem continued, “We Americans are more important than anyone else. If the best player in the world was not born here, the very least he could do is swear allegiance to the Tour that represents our most important value — GREED!”
"(I)f you think you've got an inside track to absolute truth, you become doctrinaire, humorless and intellectually constipated." Saul Alinsky
I had neither the courage - nor the wit - to suggest such a thing!
Nice one, D – but you’ll be taking some flak ;o)
apparently not
but thank you for having my back anyway.
"(I)f you think you've got an inside track to absolute truth, you become doctrinaire, humorless and intellectually constipated." Saul Alinsky
neither wit nor courage
If there wasn’t a history of hating this country, that might just be junior high humor
Either that, or D is suggesting that the PGA offer Westwood his own “Love Shack”…or perhaps his “Own Private Idaho”.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
:::putting on Robert Duvall cavalry hat:::
I love the smell of fear in the morning.
CG, you missed the point entirely.
"(I)f you think you've got an inside track to absolute truth, you become doctrinaire, humorless and intellectually constipated." Saul Alinsky
you think so ? Hmm – let’s see – in an attempt at humor on a juvenile level – you suggested that Tim Finchem would want to connect with the US Military to – your term – carpet bomb the OWGR headquarters….AND that the PGA Tour’s highest virtue is greed.
Wow – now that’s hilarious – on a truly moronic level.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
interesting
someone who was an English teacher doesn’t get metaphor.
"(I)f you think you've got an inside track to absolute truth, you become doctrinaire, humorless and intellectually constipated." Saul Alinsky
If you had actually used or developed a metaphor, I would have seen it.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Sorry court
most people found this joke funny. You didn’t because you take it personally any jibe about the USA. Take off the stars and stripes underwear one day, stop saluting your flag on the lawn every morning and learn to laugh at yourself. And the drinks are on me…what are you having ? A shandy ? :)
Only after a round on a warm day – loves me a shandy. (the European version of the Arnie)
Sorry for the overreaction – but D’s general hatred for this country, its military (in which she served), and captalism in general (in which she participates) get to me sometimes. Consider that a “joke” or a “metaphor” if you like – but it was neither.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
HATRED??? ARE YOU KIDDING???
You think I hate the US because I don’t agree with you. You would be incorrect. But like everything else, the country has some flaws. I think capitalism is great, but I distrust corporatism. I have the utmost respect for the military, but I distrust it being all-volunteer (compulsory service, no deferments for anyone would be best). I also think it should be used as a last resort, not for Cheney’s wet dream.
When you look at the country and what it stands for, do you think this is the best ever? No improvement could possibly be made because we’re perfect? That “more perfect union” spoken of in the Constitution is a process, not a destination we’ve already achieved.
"(I)f you think you've got an inside track to absolute truth, you become doctrinaire, humorless and intellectually constipated." Saul Alinsky
Keeping out of your disagreement of US policy
I thought that was democracy, by the way…the freedom to choose what you believe in…the joke was funny…non Americans loved it and many Americans would too, who don’t take themselves too seriously.
For those
who live beyond the US borders, or those that have a passport) it was funny! Good one Dianne.
Oh great - now he's hurt again !!
Westwood re-injured the leg again at the Dunhill Cup. Come on Wendy – would that have happened in the warm, happy weather….oooohhhhhhh….say in Florida ?!!! (ducking) :-D
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
I think it was due more to walking down a steep slope
rather than the weather. The weather was even more gruesome for Dunhill today, which certainly can’t help with muscle injuries. I know you will be thrilled to hear that it was a lovely sunny 70/71 degrees for my round of golf this morning (sorry, Scotland), so ya boo sucks to Florida. Don’t think Westwood will make it to sunny Portugal this year.
Yeah – that was a huge weather swing over night. They looked comfortable on Thursday. (I have to admit that I love the fog you get over there)
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Fog ? I'd rather have rain.
Fog , to me is the worst of all weather. Even snow. Roll on Lanzorate :)
Really ? why rain over fog ? I’m not fond of either – I just like the look of the fog over there.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
I can play golf in the rain.
But more importantly, fog is a killer here. Driving a car with 50 yards visability is bad. One stays in the house with fog.
I lived in San Francisco for a year – I swear that fog is alive !
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
I flew to San Francisco a couple of weeks after Lockerbie
Flight full of problems but at least arrived safe. Sad & happy memories of that trip. San Fancisco 49ers won Super Bowl, went to Pebble Beach (ate club sandwich – took box of matches as souvenir), was driven by dear friend to Carmel/ Monterey, etc.
Drizzly, foggy, warm & magical.
I was born there
Going back next month to visit family
"(I)f you think you've got an inside track to absolute truth, you become doctrinaire, humorless and intellectually constipated." Saul Alinsky
Have you been to all the famous sites, D?
Wish I could have shared more of the experiences, but I was alone on business trip. When I lived & worked in London, the only time I went to famous places was to accompany visitors. Likewise in Paris. Parisian-born husband admits that he has never been up the Eiffel Tower/Arc de Triomphe either.
But, but - that is north, Easing!
I’ve told him there are probably still Pict invasions in that part of the world – just ‘cos the BBC doesn’t report them, doesn’t mean they’re not happening.
OK...now what did you shoot in the
YUCK….“lovely, suny 70/71 degree weather” ? How many sweaters did you have to wear ? any early fog ? any heavy dew on the greens ? And OH YEA…..any of those vile yellow balls left ? jist askin mind ya….Easy said to ask….damm, those twisted knickers are pinching my arse…..STUB
Never you mind what I shot - anyway, it was matchplay
& I won. That’s all YOU need to know. The weather in Scotland has absolutely nothing to do with the weather in S. England, anymore than Florida does with Washington State. Whilst up there they were wearing 6 sweaters/windproof jackets/beanie hats, we were in shorts and short sleeves. 73F today, thank you for asking.
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