Journeyman

The Sky "attractive" female is inaccurate. The person in question works for European Tour Productions not Sky (a distinction often lost on the Media) - it wasn't a 'photo op' but a request for a green screen shoot (lasting approx three minutes) which is something all players on tour are expected to do. She is quite attractive though . The fact remains that Bubba and his manager handled the week badly and missed a great opportunity to cement a massive fan base in the UK (and Europe). They are aware of this and will no doubt make every effort to put this right in future. We shall see how this plays out over the next few weeks.

It's a real shame for all those involved. It was a fantastic decision to move the championship back to a links course and this has been evidenced by both the excellent field and an increase in crowd attendance. Lets hope they do restart at 7pm tonight (as planned) and manage to at least get a winner after 54 holes tomorrow.

You don't. I do. Your choice.

Wow, you're really paranoid. Dopplegangers? Eurofanatics? Lighten up. Have you asked yourself why I might have 'just shown up out of nowhere"? Perhaps, following the fallout from Paris, and having experienced the issues first hand, I searched on line to see how people were reacting to the situation. I found this forum and decided to offer my take and knowledge of the facts (or 'chime in' as you so graciously put it). I had no idea this site was a closed shop and populated by superior paranoid types who fear new voices offering their thoughts and experiences. I hoped (foolishly) that a forum such as this would welcome new members and fresh (and factually accurate) comments on the topics discussed. I expected a degree of skepticism, but was under the misapprehension that posters would appreciate that it is the very fact this site offers anonymity that allows people with a degree of inside knowledge the freedom to tell the truth. I stand corrected.

Not at all. I do expect you to comprehend the words "I was there" though. I know what is true and what is exaggerated, it would appear that you have a problem with that. So just for you: I know, for instance that Bubba, his wife and entourage sat at the corner window table of the restaurant for breakfast on the Wednesday morning (I too was staying at the Trianon Palace hotel). I know they joined Martin Kaymer for dinner on the Thursday evening. I also know that Bubba's manager has personally acknowledged that they got a lot of things wrong in France and need to do better next time. You carry on believing posters with a more prolific output if you like, I'll cope. Quote:

For anyone who doubts the refusing to share a courtesy car part of Bubba's exploits in France; I can confirm that this is true. The player in question was SSP Chowrasia, who, running late popped his head into the car Bubba was already sitting in and asked if he could join him, rather than wait around for the next car. Bubba's reaction was reportedly less than polite (though I'm sure the anecdotes I've heard have perhaps been exagerated a little). Anyway, third post now - how's my credibility doing?

Mr turtleback: Firstly, thanks for making me feel so welcome to this community. I'm deeply touched. Secondly, it really doesn't bother me what you believe the credibility of my assertions to be. This thread seems to be full of conjecture and speculation, most of it based on either blind loyalty to Bubba, trans-atlantic bias or second hand 'news reports'. The fact is, I was there (though this being only my second post, I doubt you'll believe that). So that said, which of my assertions do you believe to be false?

"He told them to contact his manager. If they had done so, they would have probably gotten their interviews. He is under no obligation to grant interviews outside of the press conference before the tournament. Now, had he said that he will not do an interview because they are a terrible reporter for a crumy newsouce I would agree with you." Sky Sports contacted his manager well in advance of the week of the French Open, requesting a time suitable for Bubba that week. They received no reply. Three separate appointments were made during the week, but all three were postponed and ultimately canceled. "Again, how is this disrespect? He was asked if he would return and he said no. If he had said I won't be back because the organizers are crappy, I would agree with you." Bubba is under contract to play the Scandinavian masters. On Thursday he was actually asked if he would be returning to Europe again. By saying he wasn't, he was either: disrespecting the organisers and sponsors of the Scandinavian Masters, or: unaware that Sweden is in Europe. Let us not forget, Bubba was being paid a considerable sum to play in the French Open (not speculation, fact.) Sky Sports (and by association European Tour Productions) are the host broadcaster of the tournament. To fail to speak to them prior to the first round is nothing short of a disgrace - no player would refuse CBS or NBC in similar circumstances. Bubba's primary complaint on Thursday was not private video cameras, but TV cameras (he told two cameramen to '**** Off'). Does he not realise why he gets given a half million dollar watch to wear, or why he has sponsors, or why the game of golf has made him a millionaire? He has said in the past that he's blessed to be a tour pro, and lucky and privileged to do what he does. I suggest he acts like it at all times and not like a spoilt child.