History: do we give the legends too much recognition?

[Avid Golfer]

Monty is a legend? Wow, just wow.

Montgomery does have 31 singles wins on the European Tour, and has been in playoffs and contention in a number of majors. I consider that impressive. Most players will have a good career if they reach 10 wins. Winning as many tournaments as Sam Sneed or Annika Sorenstam is something most players on their respective tours will rarely ever have any hope of getting near.

[Ben]

What impresses me the most about the legends of this game, is that they could shoot scores in the 60s with the equipment and course conditions of their day. Persimmon woods, burnt out fairways, medievel ball technology. Totally awesome.

[ShotCaLLa]

Montgomery does have 31 singles wins on the European Tour, and has been in playoffs and contention in a number of majors. I consider that impressive. Most players will have a good career if they reach 10 wins. Winning as many tournaments as Sam Sneed or Annika Sorenstam is something most players on their respective tours will rarely ever have any hope of getting near.

Impressive, yes. Deserving consideration as a legend?

Not even close. That is why "legends" are so great, and will be remembered throughout history, because others "rarely have a hope of getting near" their records.

[MrKadash]

In my opinion one qualifies as a legend by (in no particular order but inclusive):

Major championships
Tournament victories
Longevity

These translate into someone who was either a pioneer or one who transcended the sport in one form or another. The specific names that fall into this category throughout history should be evident, from Old Tom Morris through Tiger Woods. They also command continuous recognition.

[Ruari]

I don't think 'legend' status is just about victories, it's less tangible than that. John Daly is a legend because of his 'common man' aura and his much-publicised off-course antics. He strikes a chord and his meagre two Majors show that you don't have to be a robot to be a success. He reminds me of Alex 'Hurricane' Higgins in snooker.

Christie O'Connor Snr is a legend, too, primarily from his performances in the Ryder Cup - one in particular. I believe Henry Cotton was captain. Christie played a singles match in the morning and was narrowly beaten. He repaired to the clubhouse and told Sir Henry that he wasn't going to play again that day. Henry tried to persuade him otherwise but Christie would have none of it. So Sir Henry bought him a drink. Then another one. And another one. And another one, etc. Then he said (it is reported) 'Good Lord, Christie, look at the time! You're on the tee in 5 minutes!' They rushed out, got to the tee, followed by the caddie and clubs. On the tee, the American opponent (Weiskopf?) said - "Sir Henry, that man is drunk!" to which Sir Henry replied "I know, and I have every intention of keeping him that way." True to his word, he topped his player up with a hipflask every time he seemd to be getting a grasp of reality. O'Connor managed a half, got back to the clubhouse, began to sober up and went looking for his captain with revenge in his heart...
Or so the legend goes...

Payne Stewart - remembered fondly in Ballybunion for being an all-round good guy. The last time he practised there before a British Open, he took over serving behind the bar and settled the bill himself at the end of the night. And he was truly sporting to Monty, who'd been mercilessly ripped by the crowd at Brookline, conceding a putt and the game on the 16th or 17th, when he decided it had gone too far.

Jack Nicklaus - the legend is made not just of his outstanding achievements but also his concession on the 18th hole in the last match of the Ryder Cup. A three-foot, very missable putt for a half for Jacklin; Jack slotted is 4/5 footer and picked up Jacklin's marker, with the immortal phrase 'I don't think you're going to miss that for the Ryder Cup...but I'm not going to give you the chance." Match and entire competition halved.

Not just what you do - it's the way you do it.

[SlammerSam]

Here's one example of history being misleading (but only to an imaginary degree)...the shot heard 'round the world by Gene Sarazen at the Masters, that grand Double Eagle....you would imagine a lofty well struck 3-wood....but alas, nope....it was a mishit 4-wood that skipped off the water and miraclously went into the cup....just the facts!

[Ruari]

Here's one example of history being misleading (but only to an imaginary degree)...the shot heard 'round the world by Gene Sarazen at the Masters, that grand Double Eagle....you would imagine a lofty well struck 3-wood....but alas, nope....it was a mishit 4-wood that skipped off the water and miraclously went into the cup....just the facts!

I think I prefer the legend...