Following a first round in the 2010 U.S. Open in which he failed to make any significant putts, Woods badmouthed the poa annua greens at Pebble Beach. Poa annua greens have a reputation for growing unevenly throughout the day and, therefore, becoming bumpier later in the day. It comes with the territory at Pebble Beach.
In his post-round press conference after Round 1, Woods called the greens "awful." But was the problem the greens, or the guy putting on them?
USGA executive directory David Fay fired a shot back at Woods on Saturday, and in a way that - calculated or not - is the most insulting to Woods: By comparing him unfavorably to Phil Mickelson.
The AP's Doug Ferguson quoted Fay:
"I think two players used the word awful on Thursday," Fay said. "Phil said he putted awful. Tiger said the greens were awful."
Fay continued:
"As far as the greens are concerned, he's wrong," Fay said. "That old statement that you're entitled to your opinion? He is entitled to his opinion, but he's off on his facts. These putting surfaces have never been better."
These are different times for Tiger, indeed.
(Of course, as soon as Tiger starts winning again - and he will - the tiptoeing will return.)
Comments
Hmmm, I say start the Is-Tiger-In-The-Prick-Pairing watch right now for the 2011 US Open.
Tiger has a right to his opinion and a right to voice it! It’s the USGA boss that should have kept his mouth shut! Even Tom Watson said “These greens are like putting over a herd of turtles”! But I haven’t found anything about the USGA boss making any comment about Tom’s statement. Two-faced! I’d like that USGA boss to apologize to Tiger…IMMEDIATELY!!!
Johnny Miller said they were lumpy (late in the day, Saturday). Westwood called them brocolli. Never before have bumps on greens been visible on TV.
But it’s the same for everyone.
Tiger was correct, the greens were horrible, regardless of equal play that everyone has to endure it, he was making a simple comment that was 100% accurate. I can’t stand all of these people that want to simply bash Tiger because they can but so many others fly under the radar. David Fay, YOU SIR are out of line in making a public and personal attack on Tiger, you directly called him a liar. You would have been more appropriate to simply say that “although everyone is entitled to their opinion, the putting surfaces have never been better” but the personal and direct attack simply defines who you are (and you want to criticize Tiger).
Get off your high horse and let Tiger play ball ~ he’s made some incredible mistakes in his personal life and has been publicly chastised for it. Unlike you and I that have likely made our mistakes can deal with them in private and save face in public. Give Tiger a break and let him make his own bed to sleep in. Your interest should be golf, acknowledge that the greens aren’t in the greatest shape. Watching on television my wife made the comment that if the greens looked like that at the course she used to work at, every member was whining, not to mention the puts that are going all over the place. Bottom line is Tiger and the others that have commented on the greens are not making excuses, but stating facts.
Right on PGA, it’s about time someone stood up to the BIG mouth pros,i.e. woods and others who bad mouth the courses, and other petty things that upset them.Play the courses we play and the greens we putt on! SHUT UP little tiger,and all you other cry babies. For the money you make, the pampering you get you should and play and putt on concrete like we do!!!!!Be pros and enjoythe fact that we pay to see you play!!!