In no particular order, I would like to see Kenny Perry stop saying things like he does in the linked USA Today feature, Phil Mickelson to spend a little more time with his ailing wife before returning to competition, and Mr. John Daly to stop wearing Loudmouth Golf pants.
@Daly
Since Daly is more than comfortable golfing in various stages of undress, I feel the need to say the following “John, remove the Loudmouths and put one of your rumpled pairs of khakis on. Even if they’re stained with the wings you inevitably ate at Hooters last night, put them on. Also, while you’re at it, don’t do any more shirtless interviews.”
There are, maybe, four pairs of pants on Loudmouth Golf‘s entire website that I would not rank among the worst I have ever seen in my life. Even so, the real affront to good taste here is the terrible combination of John Daly’s corpulent figure with the trousers in question. The man is a clown, yet he shouldn’t have to be contractually obligated to look like one.
Daly is not what we would call a slender or attractive man. However, even for the most trim specimen, I believe it is mostly an unwritten rule that you ought not wear eye-searing neon or patterns which look like they were lifted from a blacklight poster.
The only thing more ridiculous than the pants is Daly’s tireless commitment to selling himself to the highest (any?) bidder and his continued inability to get his personal life in order so that he might actually make use of his talents. No self-respecting company would want this joke on their payroll, but he manages to secure sponsors. Well done, J.D.
@Mickelson
By my count, it’s been five weeks since Phil Mickelson announced he would be leaving the Tour indefinitely to spend time with his wife Amy, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I don’t pretend to know the severity of her illness, and indeed, that information should remain private, but I do know this: Phil shouldn’t be “tuning up” for the U.S. Open at The St. Jude Classic this week: he should be at home.
I understand Mickelson’s “need” for a sense of normalcy in a difficult time, however, it’s too much, to soon. There are fine divisions between ignoring a major illness, giving it the attention it deserves and shutting down to wallow in misery. And while the most effective method of coping is a personal matter, I don’t think this is the right way.
There isn’t going to be a sense of normalcy this quickly. Normalcy will emerge eventually, but not a pleasant sort. Rather, the normalcy of life with a serious illness will emerge.
Tiger played all throughout his father’s lengthy battle with cancer, but there’s an essential difference here. Mickelson shares a home with his wife, and further (whether we take the high or low view of marriage) has made a deep commitment to her well being and that of their relationship. I don’t think this is the appropriate way forward.
Were I even more cynical and hard-hearted than I am, I would say that Phil took time off when his wife’s prospects were uncertain, but, having been given a promising diagnosis (high likelihood of survival, minimal treatment, simple or no surgery) he’s back in the saddle, playing for the big bucks, placing the big bets. Alas, I am not. I want to give Phil the benefit of the doubt here.
The marrow of the issue, however, is that cancer, or serious illness, isn’t an unpleasant and temporary deviation from normal life. It is, for lack of a better term, an all-encompassing lifestyle. Phil loves his wife deeply and wants to act appropriately, but in ignoring this basic fact, he’s pursuing selfish interests away from the home rather than sharing his wife’s burden – which is, really, his as well.
@Perry
My objection to Kenny Perry’s recent indictment of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson for not making more appearances at “minor” golf events is many-fold. I’ll focus on two specific disagreements I have with his assertion, though.
Primarily, Perry (and others, including the Tour itself) should be seeking out ways to make themselves more marketable. How many more bland robots can the golfing public be expected to be entertained by? The most interesting thing Kenny Perry ever did was bring his overall-clad father to a tournament. It’s either that or the time he (potentially) broke the rules. Even when he’s winning a tournament, as a viewer, I’m not thinking “great drama,” but rather “that’s a big head,” or as during his collapse at Augusta, “nice offspring.”
Secondarily, Woods and Mickelson have an obligation to the Tour, to be sure, but they don’t have an obligation to play every event, which is the extension (slippery slope, as it may be) of the “they need to play more” argument. Perhaps if five to six of the top golfers in the World Golf Ranking weren’t cyborgs, there would be a show worth seeing.
Conversely, if our hero, John Daly, has proven anything, it’s that you don’t have to be a “top player” to attract large galleries and a devoted following. Sport is entertainment, to be sure. Kenny Perry looks like he’d be more comfortable on top of a John Deere than in a promotional ad or “on the big stage.” That’s more of a problem for the PGA Tour, in the long run, than Tiger skipping the John Deere Classic.
In some ways, this is a great example of what makes this country great. You’ve got an opinion, you’ve shared it, and regardless of how stupid I might think it is, you’re entitled to it just as much as I am.
I agree with you on Kenny Perry. Guy should know who butters his bread.
I agree with you on John Daly – and probably not just on what he chooses to wear, either.
And on Phil, well, I just think you’re not really in the type of position to make that sort of statement. You may have had a wife with cancer at some point, but even if you’re that close to having the same situation you don’t have the same people involved. For all you know Amy pushed Phil out the door and, being as caring a husband as he can be, he unwillingly went. Or maybe you’re spot on – we don’t know. But my hunch is that he’s just trying to make the best decisions he can make, and given your lack of insight into the situation, the personalities, and the medicine involved, it probably would have been best for you not to talk about it at all.
You may have an opinion, and I respect your right to have and express it, but none of that means it’s an informed one.
Our weekly people bashing article by the resident asshole, Ben Alberstadt! Well done sir!
As Phil mentioned in his interview in Memphis this week, it will be nice to get on the course and try to get his mind off his wife’s health for a while, or at least try. It will be interesting to see how he handles the situation. While his wife has not died and most likely will come out of it fine, I remember when Harvey Penick passed away. Tom Kite and Ben Crenshaw were pallbearers at his funeral. Tom Kite clearly couldn’t handle the loss and missed the cut at the Masters, while Ben Crenshaw played inspired golf to win. Both players had Harvey on their minds that week with opposite effects. Let’s see how Phil does.
As far as John Daly, I really want to support him and see him do well, but his behavior and strange endorsements along the way have made it tough. His latest signing – AllSport/Big Red drinks. I have to disagree with your position on the clothes, as I’m not only familiar with their line and friends with the hosts of the weekly Loud Mouth Golf Radio in Orlando (AM 740), but I’m also a client. 🙂 Everybody wears boring khakis, let’s shake things up a bit! Besides, these things are just a re-birth of the old styles of the 70s! Hello, did you see the stuff Johnny Miller used to wear!?!?
I see no reason for Phil to sit at home and stare at his wife… it plays no part in making her better. I think it’s bad taste to step into what is a private decision.
I love watching big bad John, at least he has some personality… and from what I’ve seen of his European events, he’s in good form.
As for Kenny… does he really want Tiger to play more tournaments? Tiger is giving everybody else a chance to win by not being there!
Kenny, Kenny, Kenny… A guy who skips major championships is going to tell Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson – the two people most responsible for letting Kenny make a few million dollars a year playing golf – what to do? A little sprinkling of common sense, Kenny, please. While you may not care about winning a major, that’s about all Phil and Tiger care about, and they’ve built schedules for themselves that help to achieve that goal.
John Daly can wear whatever he likes in my opinion. I’ve lost all respect for the guy and the gifts and talent he’s made so little of (and I realize he’s won two majors, but that just tells you how much talent I think he had or has). I hope for his sake, as a human being, someone around him finally gets him pointed in the right direction.
On Phil, I disagree wholeheartedly with Ben (and more agree with the first commenter). I think it’s a private matter, a personal decision, and one about which we know next to nothing.
Particularly in this column, an op/ed column, our writers have tremendous latitude to say what they’d like. I’m going to stand by Ben’s right to say what he thinks – and any reader’s right to disagree with it.
However, that does not mean that this type of commentary will continue, nor does it mean that comments which do nothing but hurl expletives at another person will be published.
I politely disagree…
I have the opportunity everyday to be around sick people and having said that… I know that each person, and family, deals with illness differently.
Your opinion on Phil and his family I think is shared by many… but just as many (if not more) would disagree (myself included).
Life has to go on… one can only support so much and everybody in that support role needs support as well… even if that support is to play golf. For Phil, I think it will be therapeutic even if he shoots 85-85.
I’m rootin for Phil to win in 2 weeks… I think it’ll lift his spirits… I’m pretty sure, his wife’s as well.
I am rapidly losing all respect for Perry. Sure, it would be good if the big names played more minor events to promote the Tour. But coming from someone who skipped majors to improve his chances of making the President’s Cup team – how’s that helping the Tour, Kenny? And calling out a guy who’s currently dealing with serious personal matters?
Although I like Kenny Perry a lot, I think the PGA tour players outside the top players are just riding the coat tail. They don’t contribute much to the tour, they don’t make it exciting and in my book they are just living on welfare.
There isn’t much competition on the PGA Tour and why would there be when par golf can earn you as much as 1.2 million dollars.
I don’t watch the PGA Tour anymore its boring. The LPGA now there is both better golf and better competition.
Thanks for making me smile, again!! I missed posting kudos for the LPGA article…
Fred Funk-O-Matic you hit it flush and stated it eloquently. I’ll bet a set of custom clubs that Amy drove Phil’s decision to return. As you point out though, I don’t really know and it really is none of my business.
I think opinions on issues like these should not be written. (though hypocritically I just did it) and should not be discussed in the media. But it is America and I will hold my nose and fight for your right to do it.
I love checking for updates to the Sandtrap every day and will continue to do so. Thanks for keeping it up and running
While you made some good points, I disagree with what you said regarding Phil Mickelson.
I think he should be playing this week, for “Warm-up” purposes, and I believe Amy would have wanted Phil to play. With the fair confidence that she will survive, and knowing that he loves to play, she could have made him play.
WAY out of bounds on the Phil comments, stroke and distance to be sure. Its a waste of bandwidth for bloggers to speculate on such a personal matter
– the other complaints are just stupid, not offensive.
😳 What was Perry thinking with that comment on Tiger and Phil playing more?
I am getting pretty tired of people acting as if they know Jon Daly. His personal life is only truly known by his good friends and family, which I can almost assure you, none of us are. “-The man is a clown, yet he shouldn’t have to be contractually obligated to look like one.”- The man is doing the best he can to get his game and head together, not to mention feeding his kids with this endorsement deal. But hey, go ahead and judge the man if it helps you feel better about your j. lindeberg pants and tofu.
As for Perry, he shouldn’t even be asking for Phil or Tiger, that is, if he ever wants to win an event that they are playing in also.
and for Phil- The man and his family have fallen on hard times. People will deal with these situations differently. To each his own, and we must support and respect whatever he chooses because I’m certain he has the best intentions for his wife and children.
John Daly’s behaviour and clothes are too much and Kenny Perry is a bland robot. But neither gets Ben’s approval. What exactly do you want Ben? Everyone to be just like your hero or just like you?
Just for the record, would you please let us know what you wear when you’re shooting in the 80’s and how long you’d take off work over and above five weeks in a similar situation?
In general I would agree that the episode should be private, but clearly Phil and Amy enjoyed the public display of support from the PGA and its tour card carrying members, the news media etc.. They allowed a private matter to become public, Phil and Amy could simply have said thank you and its a private matter, but they did not and thus I submit to you the issue is now public and not private.
We need to hold people (everyone not just Phil, you and me as well) accountable even in times of distress.
My mother is a fully recovered breast cancer survivor. This was 12 years ago. My dad stayed home by her side for a week from work (he himself is a doctor) distraught but brave. I came home from college to be with her as well. After tests came back and the surgery was scheduled two weeks from then, my mother literally pushed my dad and me out of the house and go back to work insisting that as much as she appreciated us being by her side, watching us in front of her sometimes upbeat, sometimes long faced (it’s hard avoiding it sometimes) was just too much pressure and too much a constant reminder of the sudden and great abnormalcy.
She beat the cancer with a physically trying after-surgery treatment but with a surprising normal fact-of-life and let’s-go-about-business mental attitude. Just wasn’t in her makekup to feed the event anymore.
To this day she maintains that she felt a lot stronger from the inside knowing we were just a phone call away and not burning a hole through her being in front of her the whole time. Anymore would have been couter productive.
So there…
I dont particulary have a negitive opinion of what Perry said. I think much of the reaction is apart of this whole sport/media complex in that athletes critized for being bland and lambasted for being outspoken. Its not like Tiger and Phil are going to listen to Perry, anyway.
And Daly’s pants are pimp. Shame on you.
Unbelievable that anyone thinks they know best how Phil should be spending his time in this situation. This blog post seems like a shameless attempt to stir things up, and at the expense of people going through a tough time. They can go through that time however they choose. Maybe Amy told him to get out of the house because she was tired of him being around and constantly worried about her. Maybe she said get back out there and win me some more money. How do we know? To criticize Phil as if he made the decision, without knowing the details behind the decision, and imply that he is “ignoring a major illness” is incredibly arrogant and presumptuous. Why not criticize Amy while you’re at it…
The Sand Trap is one of my favorite golf sites. It is a cut above the majority of golf sites. However, this column falls well below the typically high standards of The Sand Trap. It is more like those moronic reader posts appearing on the Fox Sports website.
Notice a repeating theme in this column? Ben’s comments are juvenile and mean-spirited. They are not insightful or creative. Wow, how original, let’s take pot shots at John Daly- nobody else ever thought to do that!
Perry Comments: Ok, so you don’t like Kenny (you basically seem to dislike everyone). What does the size of his head have to do with anything? Your comments remind me of a High School locker room.
Daly Comments: Again, why all the comments about his physique? Also, the underlying theme appears to be that the clothes he wears are not in-line with the “decorum” we should expect in golf. Well, neither are your juvenile quips about Daly’s and Perry’s physical features. So, you don’t like Kenny’s or John’s looks, really? Are we supposed to care about that? How thought provoking and insightful.
Phil Comments: Your comments here literally made me sick. Technically and legally speaking, you have the right to say what is on your mind, but comments like these simply do not belong on The Sand Trap. There seems to be a lot of hate in you, and not in a funny comedic sense. If this was my website, this would be your last column. I would expect these comments on an internet hate blog, not on The Sand Trap.
Another example of a lack of maturity and judgment.
Who are you to call out anyone for making a decision regarding the way they (meaning Phil AND Amy) handle a family matter? Simple answer, someone who is in no position to criticize and has no business doing so, unless I missed some context, which should have been supplied and was not. You have no special insight into their relationship or personal lives, so zip it.
The lack of sense of golf history and tradition is one thing, but this really is going too far in a sorry attempt to stimulate some responses (yes, you are getting them). Shouldn’t have been written. Frankly, there would be no loss if no more such “op eds” were written. Shallow and bordering on mean-spirited.
Went back to read again. Shouldn’t have. Comments re Phil were totally inappropriate, hopefully your opinions won’t grace this website in the future, I know the presence of them would be a considered factor in my presence here. Your “right” to express them is a “right” only insofar as you have continued permission to express anything, at least here, which is a pretty classy website overall. My vote is that your presence disappears.
I think calling Phil selfish is pretty ignorant, unless you were sitting around the breakfast table with he and Amy when the decision was made to play.
Casting aspersions on someone’s character when you have no knowledge of the acute situation they are in is never wise and rarely classy. In this case, safe to say it was neither.
I think people should be able to make their own decisions without outsiders trying to dissect their reasons.
This is not communism, its the freedom to do what you think is best for you.
Calling someone selfish for doing so is unfair and unsubstantiated by any facts for doing so.
As for kenny….once he skipped another Open…i lost all respect left for the guy and find his ‘opinions’ irritating…just go away kenny…