I like to play golf at a brisk pace. Not George Bush Sr. and W. fast, but fast. And sure there’s nothing more annoying than waiting while some double-gutted yahoo who thinks he’s Tiger Woods sizes up that five footer for the 15th time.
But that doesn’t mean I’d storm off the green and tee it up on the next hole. Because I’m not an donkey’s behind. The Rory Sabbatini situation is really as simple as that.
The smattering of Sabbatini defenders, including TravelGolf.com’s own Tim McDonald are either clueless or dedicated to rude arrogance.
This guy is a pro. At least he’s supposed to be. This isn’t you playing a round at your local muni buzzed on six-pack of Bud. This was a PGA tournament. Ben Crane was playing for a lot of money. Crane taking forever is a little different than the guy playing for a beer drawing out every shot. This is his job. And it’s Sabbatini’s too.
You’re going to be annoyed on your job. It happens. That’s why it’s a job. That doesn’t mean you get to go off like a 2-year-old in a temper tantrum. If Sabbatini had a beef he should have taken it up with an official, a la Vijay Singh with Phil Mickelson’s spikes (when you cannot even reach Vijay’s level of civility, you know something’s wrong).
I cannot imagine a weekend golfer I’ve met pulling a Sabbatini and you meet plenty of weekend hackers in this job who are hardly knights of the round table. Sabbatini’s a pro and he cannot even live up to these barebones standards? There’s enough rudeness and inconsideration in the world.
Now we have some dorks cheering it out on the golf course!
And equating slow play at your local public course to slow play on the PGA Tour is ridiculous. There’s no connection. They’re pros, you’re not. It’s two different worlds. The only thing that should transfer is the respect for your fellow golfer.
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The Accidental Golfer:
Brandon Tucker:
Mark Nessmith:
Jason Scott Deegan:
Rory played with Crane for the first two rounds, too. Did it throw him off then?
Of course not. He went 69-68.
Granted, Sabbatini didn't make his point in the proper manner, but something has to be done and the USGA doesn't seem to give a hoot. A lot goes on behind closed doors on tour and maybe a harsh action as this was needed to make the USGA take more notice and have to address the situation publicly.
Crane knows he needs to get that ball off or get off the course. He's pushing his luck at 4 minutes per shot.
Ultimately, it will cause the powers that be to re-address the issue of slow play.
Therefore, it was effective.
Only Cory S. knows if it was worth it.