What An Age We Live In Where Pros Can Tweet for Sponsor Exemptions
by Ryan Ballengee on Mar 28, 2010 8:35 PM EDT
in Pro Golf
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PrintAn interesting exchange this afternoon between John Daly and Peter Ripa, who works for the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial. Primarily, Daly was asking for a sponsor exemption into the tournament after confirming that he will play in the Texas Open and at Greenbrier.
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well – one thing’s for sure – JD doesn’t have an ounce of pride left where his professional golf career is concerned.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Beg, borrow, or steal. There’s no honor in sitting at home because pride stood in the way.
by Double Eagle on Mar 29, 2010 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d do whatever I could, so I wasn’t going to make fun of JD for this one.
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by Ryan Ballengee on Mar 29, 2010 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
He's an easy target...
…because he’s been to the top (or near the top, depending on the metric you want to use) and has had a publicly spectacular fall. But I bet you could find tons of guys on the mini-tours who are doing this kind of thing every day to make it to the big leagues.
It might be a little sad to see it unfolding, but like you, I’d be doing the same thing. And as a fan, I’m happy to see him doing whatever it takes because it shows that the desire is still there.
by Double Eagle on Mar 29, 2010 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
You guys are probably right that you do what you have to do – but this is pretty embarrassing. Asking for an entry into a computer is bad form. What if they can’t get him in ? Does he pull the same stunt he did with the news writer a few weeks back and go after the sponsor ?
Do what you have to do – but this wasn’t a “have to” effort.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
My understanding is, he sent personal letters to all the tournaments, so this was just a casual follow-up.
Either way, what would make you think he would go after the sponsor? Getting in a tussle with a reporter isn’t the same as biting the hand that (he hopes) feeds him. And if he makes that mistake, then he’ll reap what he sows in that regard. If they say no, then they say no and he’s going to have to accept that.
He complained a little about not getting invites to Bay Hill and another event recently, but I wouldn’t say he was out of line in those exchanges. I just don’t see a down-side from his perspective in doing a little semi-joking begging on Twitter.
by Double Eagle on Mar 29, 2010 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
this isn’t a “casual follow-up” – this amounts to public pressure that you don’t put on someone. a casual follow-up would be a phone call or email – something PRIVATE.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Public pressure, Court?
I think you’re taking his “Pretty Please” on Twitter a bit too seriously, aren’t you?
not at all. what he has done is to let his fan base know that he has applied for a sponsor’s exemption. This is the same bunch of people he had no hesitation in telling them to harrass the Jacksonville journalist. What do you think they are going to do if he doesn’t get in ?
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
The harrassment of the Jacksonville journalist
was beyond the pale. Are you suggesting that our very own Heather
is going to lob bird-poo at Colonial if JD doesn’t get in? :o)
oh – his play this year didn’t back up a request for an invitational like Bay Hill. He should know better than to complain about not getting into these high profile events. He’ll get into opposite field events to WGC’s and the British and all the fall events he wants – but he’s just not playing well enough to be taken seriously for things like Bay Hill.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
He seems to be making progress
With each tournament he has been in. The more opportunity he has to be competitive, the better he will get. It seems he is finaly getting around better with the 100 lb weight loss. I give him full credit for trying. It’s the best he can do for now. Court how do YOU know that he hasn’t made phone calls or sent e mails ??? Please tell me your not assuming again.
"pain is only weakness leaving the body"
His complaining about not getting in wasn’t focused so much on that his play made him worthy, but more that he’s still a draw that sells tickets. In that sense he’s probably right. It’s not like he ripped anyone a new one, he was just bummed about not getting an invite, as anyone would be.
by Double Eagle on Mar 29, 2010 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Well heck
At least he is trying to get into tournaments. Prior to the tweets , he wrote a lot of letters and the tweets are just a follow up. If I was in his position and all I knew was golf to make a living with and I was his age, I would do whatever it takes to get myself on the course. I happen to know for a fact that John is doing a lot more than tweeting to get back to business, you just don’t here about those things because they don’t make as much of a goofy headline like the twittering. I for one have no interest in ever twittering, heck I don’t even text.
"pain is only weakness leaving the body"
I have to agree with all you guys
If this is what I did for a living, it would be beg, borrow or steal to get into the event….No, I don’t text, nor twitter nor tweet….Most in my house say I’m dangerous enough having this lap top…stop Laughing Jumpin….lol…STUB
Very similiar events
Took place back when the Spinks brothers were boxing. Michael, Leon et al. I knew them well. They had risen to the top of their game and had tremendous heart, but the $$ and social scene got the best of them and they hit downward spirals. Sadly they never recovered. I for one am glad to see John making every effort to “right the ship” even at his past prime age. By the way, Leon Spinks is currently a janitor at a YMCA in Columbus, Nebraska. as well as volunteering at a homeless shelter. It would appear JD is doing everything in his power to avoid the same fate.
"pain is only weakness leaving the body"
I should correct myself
Micheal is doing quite well these days as he called it quits after his first loss of his career against Tyson. Leon is the one with the struggles and his son Cory Spinks just fought last wed night and won a twelve round TKO.
"pain is only weakness leaving the body"
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