Let's Talk About Lee...?

by royko on May 23, 2011 3:12 AM EDT

Let's talk about Lee…? Now every system has its faults, no doubt, and OWGR is no exception, so obvious in the fact that the current world number one male golfer hasn’t won a major, or even bothered to turn up for the 2011 Players, competing against the best of the best. Yes Lee has won some tournaments this year, but truly, are they significant to the value of being world number one? Seriously, I look back at the past world number ones, and these guys worked hard to make a difference to golf, bring in fans, promote world class tournaments, and actually play them, willingly. When, IMHO, one is bestowed the honor of wearing the crown, they have a duty to World golf and not any particular tour, for example Ernie Else. Greg Norman, Bernhard Langer, Nick Price, Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, Vijay Singh and Martin Kaymer who have promoted golf on the global level and won at least one major, as well as pushed themselves to compete globally at tournaments that provide a highly competitive field. I am disappointed in Lee Westwood's approach to losing to Ian Poulter yesterday and crying about Twitter stone throwing, he is, after all, a celebrity and needs to rise above the slander. In my opinion, the OWGR's needs to evolve and perfect its system, Westwood is for sure a great golfer, but not worthy of the crown, again, IMHO.

FanPosts are written by Waggle Room members. Viewpoints expressed do not necessarily reflect those of WaggleRoom.com, editor, Charles Boyer or any other writer or member.

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this feeling might come from the fact that his place at the top is all but secured..

In my view, he is a kind of steward keeping warm the throne before the venue of a true heir…so I am not expecting anything “royal” from him, just enjoying his game, and who knows?…He could be gouverning for some time, for I am not seeing a coronation anytime soon..
Oh and please people, keep WR going!!! Would be too sad not to read all of you every morning!!!
jiane minasan!!

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by Saint-just71 on May 23, 2011 3:52 AM EDT reply actions

I was about to welcome you back, Royko

(and you Saint), and then you go rubbishing Lee ;o)

The OWGR system is what it is – not Lee’s fault.

Lee has played globally, including plenty of tournaments in the US. Your list of crown-wearers who have promoted golf on a global level is great – but I didn’t see TW there and I don’t think he felt he had any duty to come to Europe for our key events like Volvo and Wentworth.

Lee has stated exactly where he stands re The Players – I would have liked to have seen him there, but I understand his reasons. He may very well rejoin US PGA Tour as a member in the future of course.

Didn’t get to hear his comments after his loss to Poulter – I’m sure Ian will pay him back in spades, however!

by WendyUK on May 23, 2011 12:25 PM EDT reply actions

missed you too Wendy...

Have you ever known me to waste my time on anything unless it spikes controvasy…:))

"If it doesn't work, you are trying to hard."
http://twitter.com/Roy_Ko

by royko on May 23, 2011 12:46 PM EDT reply actions

Bad, bad person ;o

Did you get to see any of the matchplay? Thought it was great, although sad Luke Donald had clearly run out of steam in his match against Poulter.

by WendyUK on May 23, 2011 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Luke Donald...

is definately worthy of number 1, but Poulter seemed to pace himself like a marathon runner all week, played some fine golf, snazzy dresser as well….:))

"If it doesn't work, you are trying to hard."
http://twitter.com/Roy_Ko

by royko on May 23, 2011 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Ah but you're contradicting yourself, Royko!!!!

Luke Donald has yet to win a major so how can he be worthy of #1? Oh, I get it – he played TPC, is that it? Just teasing ;o) Poulter did indeed look pretty snazzy.

by WendyUK on May 23, 2011 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Lee's schedule did not allow him to be at the players, IMHO

The Europeans are under no obligation to play events over here at all, with the exception of WGC’s and majors. Overall the Euro’s play in the USA triple or more tournaments than the PGA tour pro’s play over in Europe.

"pain is only weakness leaving the body" jumpn

by progolf on May 23, 2011 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Well, let's be honest about this

He COULD have played TPC – but each tour was taking a swipe at the other with their restrictions, so it was right for him to defend HIS home tour – American loyalty would have dictated no less for a US player. It would be great to have more American players come over for our flagship tournaments, but then they get lambasted for not participating in home events in the same week. Kudos for Ryan Moore taking it on this week.

by WendyUK on May 23, 2011 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions

as the reigning #1 there is ...

A responsibility to perform against the best of the best as much as possible, and IMHO its a sin for anyone in the top ten to miss an event like the PLayers, especially #1, and I aint budging on my opinion, schedules or not!

"If it doesn't work, you are trying to hard."
http://twitter.com/Roy_Ko

by royko on May 24, 2011 1:01 AM EDT up reply actions

Sorry Roy – no one is “bestowed” the #1 ranking – it’s earned. There are extra opportunities and attentions that might appear to be a responsibility – but there isn’t a set of requirements that comes with the top spot on the ladder. This isn’t royalty – it’s just the top spot in a math formula. The idea that a player in that spot is is supposed to take over an office that requires him to politic for the game isn’t correct.

People weren’t picking up the game in droves because of David Duval or Vijay Singh, and probably not Lee Westwood – they just aren’t seen as dominant players or electric personalities like Tiger Woods or Greg Norman or Nick Faldo.

Funny thing is, Woods, aside from his hyper-whitened smile, isn’t a great personality – he’s not a particularly good speaker, and he all but shuts down the media when they try to get answers to (usually dumb) questions. Greg Norman rambled and patted himself on the back. Faldo was short and focused with his answers for the same reasons as Woods – didn’t like being attacked in the media all the time.

And it’s not just the #1 player who picks and chooses his tournament schedule. All the top players do it. They have the success and know how to get wins and high finishes, so they don’t have to play as much and can focus their energies in the biggest tournaments with the toughest fields and courses.

If at first you don't secede, try try again

by courtgolf on May 24, 2011 10:27 AM EDT reply actions

my point, court, was the system not the player...

though IMHO, on the fan sie, Westwood isn’t living it up to my expectations, and I agree ith you ont hepersonality’s above, but there was an effort to prove exeptional rights.

"If it doesn't work, you are trying to hard."
http://twitter.com/Roy_Ko

by royko on May 24, 2011 10:40 AM EDT reply actions

living up to your expectations ? why would you have expectations. What “rights” are you talking about ? the only extra “right” the #1 player has is that he gets to face the #64 player in the Accenture Match Play.

If at first you don't secede, try try again

by courtgolf on May 24, 2011 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions