Aussies Take Aim at Mickelson

by Mulligan Stu on Apr 27, 2007 9:35 AM EDT Comment 1 comment

We posted yesterday about the Phil Mickelson "situation" at the Byron Nelson Championship: he missed is pro-am pairing, which PGA Tour rules state should lead to a disqualification from the tournament; however, the Tour, invoking "extenuating circumstances," gave Mickelson a pass.

The rest of the players on Tour aren't happy about it, according to articles from several news services. One headline mentioned a "storm of protest" but then quoted only one player.

But so far, the only players who've been quoted in the news service reports are Australians. Mickelson appears to have the entire continent of Australia against him. Or least its contingent on the PGA Tour.

Why would only Aussies speak publicly? Probably has something to do with "the thunder from down under."

Robert Allenby:

"A lot of players are not happy. ... I like Phil, but when the Tour sets a precedent, they've got to stick with it. He (Mickelson) checked into the hotel here when I checked in on Monday. He came here, was on site, and he elected to go somewhere else, knowing the weather was going to be crappy. He took the risk. Take the risk and you pay the penalty."

Rod Pampling:

"The (PGA Tour) rules say you have to play in the pro-am to play in the (main) tournament so in my opinion he shouldn't have been allowed to play. ... One of my playing partners landed in Dallas at 0400 from Chicago and he was flying commercial. I don't think Phil is flying commercial and he was a lot closer."

Stuart Appleby:

"I'm sure a lot of players think it's a very dodgy decision. ... Each situation has to be looked at independently. If a player makes a reasonable effort, he gets a pass. If he doesn't, he should be disqualified. I don't care who you are. If the airport was open in the early hours this morning, what I would say to my pilot is, 'I've got to be in Dallas at 5:30 am. If it's open, call me and wake me up.' "

Better watch your back, Phil. Don't let a pack of Aussies corner you in the lockerroom ... they might snap you with wet towels.

(But if there really is a "storm of protest," then kudos to the Aussies for having the guts to go on the record. After all, they're probably right.)

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