Westwood out of Players Championship...........

[MSDOGS1976]

Originally Posted by Stretch

http://thesandtrap.com/forum/thread/41308/martin-kaymer-on-the-golf-fix

LOL...........I guess some Americans do hate Euros.

[iacas]

Originally Posted by PaddyHarrington

An awful lot of bitterness towards Westwood on here I see....Americans must not like it when one of their own is no longer No.1 Golfer in the World...

Uhm, or maybe they just don't like Lee Westwood.

[dbuck]

I don't think Westwood's deal is a dig against the US, but rather a protest against the PGA Tour rule concerning the number of tournaments allowed by non-members. This is no different from Phil playing the old wedge in protest of the groove rule-or rather the way it was implemented.  Is the European Tour different--something about the top 50 in WGR can play anytime?  I don't think I'd have a problem with the PGA Tour adopting that, but I understand that they limit non-members so the newer guys get a chance to play.  Someone has proposed not counting majors and title defense against the 10 limit.

So I don't have animosity toward Westwood at present. He is not someone I really follow, but don't dislike him either.  I hope McIlroy doesn't get pulled into some political crap at this stage.  I'd like to see him do well and focus on golf.  Darren Clarke is someone I like to watch, cigar chomping and all and a bit rounder like me-looks like someone who'd be fun in a club scramble.  I like some of the Euro tournaments and the coverage-seems more about the golf sometimes.

Don't get me wrong, when it is Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup and the upcoming Olympics, I am a Stars and Stripes waving son of a gun, and I will pull for Phil and Tiger against Westwood, but the rest of the time I am for the good of the game of golf as a whole-and it is a global game.

[ghalfaire]

Originally Posted by dbuck

I hope McIlroy doesn't get pulled into some political crap at this stage.  I'd like to see him do well and focus on golf.

I heard on GC that McIlroy isn't going to play either.  I guess the Player's just isn't a big deal in Europe.  Too bad as I'll miss McIlroy on the tour he is an exciting player to watch.

[EnergyMatt]

McIlroy's tweet today:

For everyone who is interested, the reason I'm not playing TPC this year is because I've never thought the golf course has set up that well for me. Hence 2 missed cuts in 2 years. I have no sort of vendetta against Tim Finchem or the PGA Tour, I love playing in the US and have always found the people very welcoming. I'm sure one day I'll join the PGA tour again, but right now I want to put all my efforts into Europe and the race to Dubai. Hope this clears a few things up!

Not "political crap" ...

[plugged]

You guys across the pond are being way too sensitive, and moreover are missing the point.  Americans have historically embraced foreign players and made them feel quite at home...as much as possible.  The truth, though, is that it's not home for most European players (some do maintain residence here) and most of us understand Westwood and McIlroy's decision.  We don't hold any resentment, but neither are we going to consider it a great loss.

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by plugged

You guys across the pond are being way too sensitive, and moreover are missing the point.  Americans have historically embraced foreign players and made them feel quite at home...as much as possible.  The truth, though, is that it's not home for most European players (some do maintain residence here) and most of us understand Westwood and McIlroy's decision.  We don't hold any resentment, but neither are we going to consider it a great loss.

After watching an interview with Westwood, does anyone else feel the need to schedule a dentist appointment?  Anyway, the TPC is an overhyped event on a tricked up course and that's all I have to say.