Journeyman

Radar, no stranger to hyperbole, has since changed his assemsent to "one of the greatest he's ever seen".

I hope this'll be my last post on the subject (as I'm sure many others on here do too.) We've all got a bit distracted (in my opinion) by the did he / didn't he get an appearance fee debate. I know what I believe, but regardless of this, the fact remains that Bubba's overall behavior in France in his first outing on the European Tour was less than ideal. A lot less. He failed to give important media interviews prior to the first round (important because whether he realised or not, his presence was a major 'selling' point for the tournament),he disrespected the tour itself in two post round interviews and also disrespected fellow professional players. I'm willing to overlook his crass and naive statements about France's capital's landmarks - a pity he made them, but forgivable all the same. He also, in my opinion, showed incredible naivety in complaining about too many cameras on him - it's attention of that nature that leads to him being given a half million dollar watch to wear - not because he's simply a nice guy. These complaints came from a guy who has in the past said "I play golf for a living, I'm not special, I'm blessed to do what I do". Bubba and his manager have subsequently acknowledged that mistakes were made, that they got things wrong and that they needed to do better next time. Last week, they did just that. Bubba admitted that he played bad golf in France and that he should probably have just focused on that. He also went out of his way to do the interviews that he's failed to do in France. Time (for me) to move on and let it go. I'll no longer consider him to be the charismatic star that I believed he was prior to to the French Open, but I'm willing to give him a second chance to win me over again. Good luck Bubba - hope to see more of you in Europe in the future.

Inside info - yes. I can't and won't be more specific. I hope you understand. There's plenty more to be 'lapped up' but none of it is supported by articles so will always be dismissed straight away (see my first few posts in this epic thread) Point taken about sponsors fees. My information is that Bubba was being paid an appearance fee by the organisers of the French Open (not necessarily the European Tour btw).

Firstly, I was responding to the assumption that Bubba did not get 'paid' at all which several posters seemed to think must be the case, so hardly 'irrelevant'. Secondly, I'm afraid there is no 'article' for you to read. I, unlike some on here, do not get all my information from articles. Life is not just lived on the interweb.

That's a good point. I still find it a strange decision.

Despite missing the cut and allegedly missing out on an appearance fee - Bubba did get 'paid' for playing that week. In the form of sponsor's bonuses.

Strange decision, especially as its a 'major' he's never won. I always thought Tom was a man of integrity and showed a healthy respect for history and the significance of winning particular championships. I imagine it's to do with his sponsors, but a real shame for the Senior US Open. I bet the USGA are furious.

Second biggest 54 hole lead on the European Tour. Biggest was Goosen at the JWC circa 2003(ish) - 13 shots.

I love how posters on sites like this berate individuals they know nothing about: Why assume we all know nothing about Bubba? Travel there then comment : Believe it or not, many Europeans travel widly and have passports and everything too. The French generally hold total disdane for Americans : I wonder why that could be? Cheese eating surrender monkeys anyone? I'm no kid and have traveled the world quite a bit .: Really? Can you not act like it then? ....The only dumbasses are the dumbasses dumb enough to be concerned about what the arrogant French think about Bubba : You have missed the point (quelle suprise). Bubba's actions in France did not only upset / annoy the French. If I have offended you, good that was my intention : Was your intention also to turn up to a battle of wits unarmed?     Was your intention also to make yourself QWQ

That's what I said. (almost)

He was named Gary. Now, is that you being called in to do your homework I can hear?

His pre tournament interviews were actually very good. Admitted to playing poorly in France and that thats what he should have focused on. So far this week he's been the model professional. Well done Bubba.

Yes he did. Butch is a very funny guy. He also told Dustin that he had to decide between whether he wanted to be a tour professional or a gigolo (after Dustin neglected to turn up on time for a coaching session after a particularly heavy night out.)

Been a while since the "US" won one though eh?

Yet Rory has just tweeted "Northern Ireland, centre of the golfing world" (or words to that effect). Northern Ireland, rightly or wrongly, is part of the UK. Darren plays under the flag of Ulster. Rory didn't take too long to shed the Irish Tricolor he was given shortly after his US Open win. It's a minefield to be sure (no pun intended).

Heard the same thing. Apparently he reported the incident (about his caddy leaving him) to his wife who sided with his caddy - confirming he was being a jerk.

He's definitely playing next week in Sweden at the Nordia Masters. Good opportunity for him to make amends. Good luck to him.

Ryder Cup qualifying doesn't start 'till the European Masters in Switzerland. (That's not to say he won't get a pick)

To quote Butch Harmon: "Dustin Johnson makes Nick Watney look like a brain surgeon."

I should probably add for sake of clarification that you're right about Di - she is employed by Sky.

I think you've got the wrong end of the stick. The femaile in question isn't Di Dougherty (who wasn't even in France), but an assistant producer. I've never mentioned any 'TV presenters' No spin. Just honest facts

That's funny, I don't remember Golfweek actually being at the French Open...

Not 'dissed' at all. If anything, I've retreated slightly from my Bubba bashing following the acknowledgments of mistakes and pledges of doing better from his manager this past week. I find it strange however, that you use a fairly minor and easily made mistake (the ETP / Sky thing) to dismiss the entire report. You accept my version of the female in question's employment status yet not anything else I've reported. Double standards? You have a great day too.

Hang on. Just becuase I posted that the story was inaccurate (i.e the female in question wasn't a Sky employee but one from European Tour Productions) doesn't mean the whole report is innacurate. The refusal of a green screen shoot did happen, as did the other things I've frequently posted about. Now whether you think that matters or not is up to you.

So you've proved (with my help) that those two accounts are inaccurate. However, this doesn't take away from the fact that Bubba and his manager failed to talk to all but one broadcaster in the lead up to the tournament (Danish TV?!), miss handled the two post round Sky interviews and upset fellow players and caddies. They clearly didn't cover themselves in glory and as I've repeatedly said, have acknowledged this fact. One thing has been frequently overlooked. Bubba complained (off camera) about the number of cameras on him, saying he could play better at home. Interesting that a player who's been given a half million pound watch (or whatever) to wear because of his TV profile, suddenly becomes allergic to the cameras when his round falls apart. Toys out of the pram.