 |
Updated Daily | |
|
|
||
|
       |
Proper Brit Lee Westwood meets Southern, good ol' boys in the Ryder Cup, and all America should be ashamed
Sunday September 21, 2008 | 19:44:43 434 words, 7237 views
I say we have Lee Westwood over to the Possum Trot Bar over there off Highway 319, you know the place, down that county-graded dirt road, past that fancy trailer park, back in them deep woods. Feed him a little poke salad, toss down a few Schlitz Malt likkers with him, get him hoppin’ to some Lynyrd Skynyrd. Show him a little Southern hospitality. Your Highness, meet Joe Bob. Now, squeal! Nah, maybe not. Worst thing you can tell a hick is he’s getting on your nerves. Once they get in your head, ain’t no getting’ rid of them. Which is what happened to Westwood early in Europe’s losing Ryder Cup with the U.S. and which probably went a long way toward ensuring Europe’s defeat. I’m of two minds about that. Some of the American behavior at the Ryder Cup this weekend was indeed reprehensible, and I’m not just talking about the fans. Anthony Kim, who everyone thinks is so damn cute, was borderline obnoxious, crossing the line several times in getting the crowd all riled up, including once when Sergio Garcia had just hit two shots in the water, and conceded the hole. So was Boo Weekley, and some others. And you know some of that Kentucky bourbon-fueled crowd had a few choice remarks for this proper Brit, who still clings to the amusing belief that golf is a gentleman’s game. I was born and raised right down the road from Boo’s neck of the woods, and it still made me ashamed. Them folks wasn’t livin’ up to their raisin.’ My mama would have slapped me into next week for acting like that. On the other hand, Westwood should have risen above it, or at least overlooked it. He should have known Americans don’t react well when you keep beating them. Captain Faldo has lived here long enough to know that, and he should have imparted his wisdom to Westwood. Playing in front of an unruly and even obnoxious home crowd, and some very rude competitors, is part of the game. Still, the Americans were so bad, I found myself admiring Garcia’s sportsmanship, and that’s something I never thought would happen. It certainly, to me anyway, took away a lot of luster from the American victory. Left a sour taste in my mouth, like 100-proof sour mash. Great host, Louisville. Maybe you can still get in a kick or two before Westwood boards the plane. Could be interesting two years from now. What goes ’round, comes ’round. 
Comments:
Comment from: golfgirl [Visitor]
 · http://www.thegolfgirl.blogspot.com
Courageous post Timothy, I'm impressed. And I agree with you.
09/21/08 @ 21:06
Comment from: Andy [Visitor]
· http://golforama.net
Hi Tim, nice post.
I'm not sure I agree with your feeling that the American behavior was unacceptable, i think the fan behavior from the gallery was unavoidable and it was a matter of time. The impression i've had in recent years is that the Ryder cup is being pitched more and more as an intense rivalry, almost akin to what you have between two sports teams that want nothing more than to beat their hated rivals (Yankees/Bo'Sox, Dodgers/Giants, Steelers/Browns, etc...). I'm referring to a level of desire that goes well beyond the other routine games they participate in, including if it's the only thing they do well at all year then it should be this one event. Comments from captains and players over the years seem to stoke the flames with a result (perhaps unintentional) of inciting the fans to a fever. The Press is also partially at fault for stoking the flames (re: Paul Casey and British tabloids from the last Ryder's cup). So if i'm right in that the players/captains/press are stoking the flames and have elevated this rivalry to a high level, then is it any wonder that the players and gallery are going to act the part being staged for them? I also follow the Americas cup (sailing) which is held every 4 years. There are so many similarities between the Ryder's cup and America's cup wrt the captains and crew bickering with their opponents and constantly trying to get in their heads and trying dirty tricks. As I watched events on TV this weekend I couldn't help but think that the players and captains over the years have developed a level of competition and desire to beat the other guy that it's gotten to the point where it'll likely never be a "gentleman's game" again, that what you saw this weekend will be common place moving forward on both sides of the "pond".
09/21/08 @ 21:20
Comment from: Oliver Sudden [Visitor]
When's the last time you saw a player ride his driver as a hobby horse off the 1st tee and then shoot 29 ? When's the last time you saw a brash 23 year old with a big belt buckle with his initials in diamonds go out and shoot lights out on a big stage ? Face it, pro golf is boring with their scripted interviews and dour faces, even Tiger. What we had today is what we need if you want pro golf to get bigger and better. If a few people are offended F 'em !
09/21/08 @ 21:29
Comment from: Kiel Christianson [Visitor]
I'm usually EXTREMELY sensitive to the jingoistic overtones of the Ryder Cup. But this time, with a few notable exceptions, I thought it wasn't nearly as bad as it could have been. After the first day, Boo and JB held their raising the roof until after the hole was done. Kim's behavior after Garcia hit two in the water was too much--I agree completely. Contrition was called for there. I really did like Boo's hobby-horse act, though. Good fun, that. Importantly, he followed it up with fantastic golf. Frankly, I thought Poulter's borderline psychotic stares were a bit over the line, too, actually. (There was a guy on my HS basketball team whho used to do that, until I finally had enough....) And when Garcia screamed and pumped his fist on the first hole yesterday afternoon, I liked how Stricker gave it right back to him (very out of character for the nicest guy on Tour). The true "tell," though, that what we were mostly seeing was exhuberance rather than bad sportsmanship was when Kim closed out Garcia, and didn't even know it. He was pumped up, pumping up the crowd, and heading to the next tee. He was completely immersed in the moment, not trying to get in Garcia's head.
In short, while chants of "U-S-A" strike me as a bit cultish, and not nearly as melodic as "Olay-olay-olay-olay!" I was proud of most of our guys this weekend most of the time, and the Euros were worthy opponents, who I'm sure will do their best to exact their revenge at Celtic Manor.
09/21/08 @ 22:13
Comment from: Jacko [Visitor]
Hey Tim, I think you're getting a little bit melodramatic. First off, I don't care what the Euros think about us and I'm not ashamed of the way the Americans won the Ryder cup. Secondly, Westwood isn't a fan of the U.S. anyway..he doesn't even want to play here. Maybe you didn't hear Sergio scream at the top of his lungs when he sank a putt. Maybe you didn't see the Euro team pump fisting trying to get their costumed followers hyped up. Whether the U.S. won or lost this was the best Ryders cup ever.
09/21/08 @ 23:53
Comment from: Oui Oui Oui [Visitor]
Kim out-sergio Sergio this time.
At the generally very defensive press conference, the Euro who demonstrated the most class was Padraig Harrington.
09/22/08 @ 08:20
Comment from: Kelsie Williams [Visitor]
I guess, Tim, you are right. I watched the Europeans in
their post-match interview, and I have never seen a more rude, pompous, arrogant group, besides Harrington and Olazthabal. Sergio's behavior is what started this interaction, and when he does his screams and jumps and fist pumps, it is just a hot-blooded Spaniard interjecting excitement into the match. I guess the American's excitement, enthusiasm, character and exuberance were way out of line and no where near what the Americans have experienced with their wives being slandered and fake nude, porn photos being posted. Those kind of European low blows kind of make a guy jumping out in a ghost costume in front of Westwood look pale in comparison. The Europeans are not good winner or good losers. After watching that group rub their victories in the US golfer's faces for years, what can you expect? The European's took the Gentlemen out of the Gentlemen's game years ago.
09/22/08 @ 10:56
Comment from: Wendy (UK) [Visitor]
A bit over the top, aren't you Tim?
I thought Westwood was quite measured in what he said about Boo whipping up the crowd before he putted. I put it down to Boo's exuberance; nothing malicious, but he graciously apologised and there was no repetition. Perhaps "The Times" is more circumspect than some of the tabloid rubbish we have over here, but of the dozen reporters they had covering it, to a man (and a woman) they had nothing but praise for the behaviour and hospitality of the crowd despite Azinger's encouragement to cheer bad shots (my ONLY mild criticism). Sure you'll always get a few cretins (both Euros and American) who don't know how to behave - they make everybody else cringe. I don't blame Kim for making Sergio putt out with his previous woes - suspect Azinger may even have suggested it - which clearly irritated him, but he in turn then slowed up play as much as he could and at one point was even told by the referee to pick up his ball and move onto the next tee. No sympathy for Sergio here. It was the most fantastic match, and the win was thoroughly deserved. Congratulations and wash that sour taste out of your mouth with a bottle of bubbly. Kelsie, you seem to have a chip on both shoulders. Fake nude photos were gutter press behaviour and had nothing whatsoever to do with the Euro players or fans.
09/22/08 @ 12:15
Comment from: Shanks [Member]
· http://www.travelgolf.com/blogs/shanks
I have to disgree with Kiel on his statement:
"Kim's behavior after Garcia hit two in the water was too much--I agree completely. Contrition was called for there." Garcia made Kim wait interminably before conceding the hole, despite pumping 2 in the drink. Referee Paramour actually had to go up to Garcia and ask if he was conceding the hole as he was walking up the fairway. They didn't show that part of it on NBC coverage. What you saw was a bit of time lapse camera work. And of course this was on top of that bogus attempt to get relief from knee-high rough two holes earlier. By the way, it was Paramour who actully made Sergio call his ball unplayable there and, therefore ineligible for relief. I'm really getting tired of the american bashing without getting the whole story. And about Westwood's chiding of Weekley after the first day's play. He was absolutely correct but did he have to complain in the press? Or would the gentlemanly way to handle it be through the captains? Or perhaps he could have mentioned it to Weekley directly on the spot. Don't think Westwood is some dummy. That was a little gamesmanship in return. He was trying to parry/thrust with that clever move.
09/22/08 @ 13:47
Comment from: Wendy (UK) [Visitor]
Shanks, as you can see I agree with you about the Kim/Sergio episodes - both the "unplayable" and the "double-drink" shots. Unless I imagined it I actually thought I heard Paramour say "Pick it up and move on" to Sergio (and he didn't use the word "Please").
However, Lee was asked specifically by the press about Boo's whipping up of the crowd before he putted - even if he had replied "No Comment" the criticism would still have been implied in public. It might have turned ugly if he had mentioned it directly to Weekley. I certainly would not have taken that risk. Mention it to Azinger? He who said it was fine to cheer a miss - I don't think so. It would be a shame if the US public were to take against Lee for this, however. He may be no dummy, but I don't think either he or Boo is devious either.
09/22/08 @ 14:23
Comment from: Shanks [Member]
· http://www.travelgolf.com/blogs/shanks
There's a fine line here, but what Azinger said it's ok to cheer for the US when there is a bad Euro shot, NOT abuse the Euro player.. You certainly can't expect a partisan crowd to be quiet when things are going their way. That was the case at the K Club and all the players know it's coming. Even Westwood says so - just not in between shots (which is 100% correct).
09/22/08 @ 16:00
Comment from: Keith Tullius [Visitor]
So he is 'proper' is he? And the Southern American is a buffoon. You are the worse kind of bigot. You have judged these men by their accent. Since we all know that Americans born in the south are all simple, ignorant folk and all Brits are well-educated and erudite, Lee Westwood is right and we, as right-feeling Americans should all be "ashamed." Don't foist your guilt or shame on the rest of us. Lee Westwood needs to hook up with you so you can sit together and wring your hands and have a good cry about it together. It shouldn't be surprising coming from someone who recently used the term 'Republican' as a slur in another article. First time/last time reader.
09/22/08 @ 17:16
Comment from: Kelsie Williams [Visitor]
Wendy,
It is the same thing as blaming all of America or the American team for some fan who dresses up in a sheet and says, "BOO!" The reference to Lee's mother may have been as offensive as seeing your wife's face superimposed on a pornagraphic picture and links to pornagraphic sites with more of the same kind of pictures. The other four wives had similar kind of references and were referred to as "Ryder Cup Filth." Obviously, it was an Irish publication and a Euro fan with a far-reaching fanbase. I guess what I am saying, Wendy, is that when FOR YEARS, Sergio's jumps, yells, fist pumps have been laughed at and applauded by the Europeans.When they win a hole or the championship, it's as if they have just defeated the Evil Empire. When we do it and have fun while we are winning, we are arrogant, ill-mannered, "stupid" Americans. Maybe you weren't aware that after the last Ryder Cup the European team took off their hats, socks, vests, shirts and threw them all into the crowd. Had that been Boo with the same antics, he would have been a brash, ill-mannered American, right???
09/22/08 @ 17:24
Comment from: Tim McDonald [Member]
To Keith -- good riddance
09/22/08 @ 17:37
Comment from: Jacko [Visitor]
Tim you sure put Keith in his place with your witty and intelligent comeback...NOT!!! Me, I'll being coming back every once in a while to read your blog. Especially when I need a laugh.
09/22/08 @ 19:06
Comment from: Tim McDonald [Member]
Who needs laughs when you've got a name like "Jacko?"
09/22/08 @ 19:52
Comment from: Jacko [Visitor]
TIMOTHY, your name is TIMOTHY and you have the gall to make fun of someones name. Get real. Help me out here will you Tim. Which do you hate more? TIM or TIMOTHY? Can I call you TIMMY or is that reserved for your "special friends"? Anyway, Timothy, unlike yours, my name is just a nick made up for this site. I guess I was a little luckier than you, I wasn't saddled with a moniker that would cause me grief as a child and to be a self hating, insecure adult.
Oh, and Timothy, the only laughs I get on this blog is seeing your mug at the top. That being said, I really do like your "soul patch". Kudos to you! It's great. It draws ones eyes away from your exceedingly long forehead. Oops,I'm sorry, your forehead isn't that long, your just folliclely challenged. My bad! Timothy, seriously, just between you and me, a little word of advice, don't try to paste the last vestiges of your scant hair across the top of your bald head? It makes you look silly and people will continue to laugh at you. I don't mean to be critical but it does make you look like the "before" picture in a Hairclub for Men ad. Timothy do yourself a favor, check out their website and avail yourself of their services. I guarantee you'll get less people laughing at your blog.
09/23/08 @ 00:06
Comment from: Wendy (UK) [Visitor]
Yes, Kelsie, I agree that it is exactly the same thing as blaming all Americans for some misdemeanour, so why go down that road? I felt that you were as over the top in your criticism of Europeans in general as I felt Tim was in his criticism of American fans. I don't buy into the frenzy that the media try to stir up and I don't have any family, friends, colleagues, etc, who do either. The ghost fan was quite funny - even Westwood said he should have set the leprechauns on him! We could exchange endless examples of bad behaviour over the years, but they are still isolated incidents, mainly committed by people for whom neither of us would have any respect.
Sergio's jumps, yells and fist-pumping may have amused his fellow Ryder Cup players when it could have been put down to youthful exuberance; I suggest it has worn thin with EVERYBODY over the years, and it's about time he grew out of it. Where did the words "arrogant, ill-mannered "stupid" Americans" come from? I've only read them on your own post. I would rather Boo did not go down the "buffoon" route, but only because I fear that it may detract from the respect he deserves for his golf (in much the same way as Woody Austen), but if everybody enjoyed it because of the kind of team event it was, then fair enough. You won the Ryder Cup fair and square (and it was absolutely enthralling) but can't you take your your annoyance out on Tim at his blog (he's got broad shoulders) rather than on Europeans?
09/23/08 @ 12:40
Comment from: Wendy (UK) [Visitor]
From "The Times" 9/23
"Galleries hollered but in a nice way. As Sergio Garcia tapped down Anthony Kim's pitchmark inches from the 13th hole, a deep American voice came booming from the back. 'That won't be troubling you, Sergio. Let's get on with the game.' Over three days of walking around a-hootin' and a-hollerin' galleries, it was the WORST heckle I heard. This is not to say that Lee Westwood did not encounter a couple of idiots, but we will all be happy if the crowds at Celtic Manor manage to be both as raucous and as well-behaved."
09/23/08 @ 12:50
Comment from: Glenn [Visitor]
Playing in front of an unruly and even obnoxious home crowd, and some very rude competitors, is part of the game. As someone who was actually there, I can tell you that you could not be more wrong. The crowds at Valhalla were very well behaved, except when egregiously agitated -- like when Sergio Garcia buried his wedge into #10 green after his eagle chip pulled up a half-turn short. Yeah, the crowd jeered at that -- we don't like our golf courses damaged by classless anger here in Kentucky. We didn't see any club-throwing or green abuse from the Americans -- instead, we saw good golf and good fun. Olazabal's obvious rules violations giving advice to players on the course were among the other questionable actions that prompted a bit more frustration on Sunday. But despite that, and in direct contradiction to your transparently inaccurate assertion, the transgressions made by a tiny minority of people were trivial and few. Westwood may have been an unfortunate recipient of some nasty comments, which I join you in condemning, but it happens at every Ryder Cup on both sides of the big water hazard. Of course, the only time it ever gets mentioned is when the Euros lose, but that surprises me not at all. The Europeans in the crowd were mostly fantastic, but there were a few who made very provocative comments when they were in a group in the International Pavilion, just like Americans sometimes do and probably did. I wouldn't even mention it except to demonstrate that there was nothing done by either side that isn't always done. So you can stay up on your high-horse if you want, but I think your comments, clearly made out of ignorance of what really went on, are far more embarrassing than Boo Weekley's club-horse. You appear to me to be nothing more than a grumpy elitist snob. Get over yourself, if that's possible.
09/23/08 @ 15:36
Comment from: Chauncey [Visitor]
The American's behavior during this year's Ryder Cup was over the top. It has turned into arena football and really, has no place in what was once a gentleman's sport.
The PGA is to blame for the mentality of the American fans because they have tolerated name calling, screaming, and I don't mean yelling, "Get in the hole" and "You da man" whenever someone hits a shot. There is no consideration for other golfers on the course who may be putting or taking a shot on another hole. I find it laughable that Phil Mickelson can point out a photographer and have him thrown out of the event because he took a picture during a putt, and yet they allow booing and arm waving before opponents can play. The Americans played well but their antics on the course were embarrassing and beneath the dignity of a winning team. Paul Azinger's attitude was intolerable and should have been toned down by the officials who run the Ryder Cup. If it allowed to continue we are going to be seeing chuck wagon races after an American win instead of a buffoon riding a horse slapping his ass like a character in Blazing Saddles.
09/30/08 @ 13:49
Comment from: Ian Henderson [Visitor]
What we are really talking about here is good manners or etiquete which is a fundimental part of our game. During a match of course it's accepatable to celebrate a good putt or great shot but when you shake hands at the end it would be bad manners to do this to your opponents face. The crowd will always get excited but it's unacceptable to wind them up higher and higher on the part of players. The Ryder Cup is the top showcase match for our sport and if etiquete is going to be forgotten then what next - cheating. Lets not take this great and honourable game down the sewer. I hope in two years time great golf is what will be appreciated and not just the desire to win at all costs.
10/01/08 @ 09:37 Leave a comment: |
 |
My Latest posts
Check it out!
Misc |
||||||||
 |
Add GolfPublisher.com articles/headlines to your web site |
| © Copyright 1997-2009, WorldGolf.com, LLC. For questions, comments or suggestions on any of our network publications, Contact Us! |
|
Brandon Tucker:
Ron Mon:
The Accidental Golfer:
Kiel Christianson:
Golf with Shanks:
