golfrewind.com

First off, I know that PGA players need to maitian their focus, I will never dispute that, but some of these guys are complete jerks when it comes to autographs!!

To me, an autograph is just that, it is someone's signature, but to a kid, an autograph is a brush with celebrity, and an inspiration. This week at the Open, I was disgusted with more than one player for the way they blew off the kids.

Now, if you're walking a fairway, or in between holes, I can see asking people to wait, but you're on your way to the practice range and you're a complete jerk about it?? I saw kids crying due to the way the pros acted. and these weren't five year old kids...they were kids who know and idolize these players.

Now, in fairness, I can understand Tiger and Vijay avoiding it, if they sign one autograph, the crowd would keep them there for 10 hours, but can you tell me that some of these other players are too busy to sign a few pieces of paper.

The Champions Tour has realized how important these kids are, and they will actually allow people in the ropes. They take the time for people, and it's refreshing......

I agree I think any pro should be shot if they will not give a kid a autograph when the player is not playing.

In addition to the Champions Tour, if you're looking for an event where they do right by kids, I would suggest attending an LPGA Tournament. I've been to a few PGA events, and last year, attended the final day of the Women's Open at The Orchards. Other than Annika or Michele Wie, you could follow any player easily and closely, the crowds were not overwhelming, and the women were approachable, friendly, and most of all, grateful for the fans.

I was told a story from the previous day where a player, leaving the range, was asked by a little boy (7 years old or so) to sign his hat. She agreed, on one condition: that he sign her visor. She played all day Saturday with "RYAN" inked on her visor. I'm sure that kid will be a fan for life!

That's pretty special there!!!

How would we all feel if everyone approached us for autographs during our workday? As one that has played in several events (none at PGA TOUR level), I can attest to the fact that from the moment you have your spikes on, you are WORKING. No one criticizing these guys know what they have on their schedules. Maybe they have to get to a meeting with some sponsors, maybe an appearance or any other appointment that is needed to RUN THEIR BUSINESS! Remember, these guys are not just "hanging out" waiting on their tee time. AFTER the round, there is no excuse for not signing but prior to a round is still part of the preparation and focus for the workday to come.

The other problem are all of the ADULTS that have screwed things up for the kids. Too many "predators" use these kids to get the autographs so they can end up on EBAY which is precisely why the players sign fewer autographs than they did when I was a kid.

Of course, I also see the other side of the coin nowadays because many of the guys on the PGA TOUR are spoiled brats who want to maintain the "value" of their autograph by not giving them.

It is definitely a difficult issue to balance.

I was at the Bell Canadian Open last year and on both days saw only Weir and Mickelson signing stuff for the fans.... maybe its lefties that care about the fans lol

I don't know about the work analogy, golf is a sport, and fans rule sports. Any professional athlete owes his salary to the fans who watch them play.

I don't sign autographs either. So keep your kid away from me.

We are a naturally superior breed!

Philly Mic is actually right handed though

I'm left handed, but I golf right handed.

And I hate my fans.

I'm not a pro but golf is actually a very financially rewarding sport for me. I'm so bad that all of my friends pay me not to play. I take their money and sit in the clubhouse chilling out until they come in four hours later. That's when I have to earn the money by listening to their whining about the what ifs. I couldn't lose my amateur status for this could I? Seriously, I can understand both sides of the coin concerning autographs. Seems like I remember something about pro-am days being the best time for autographs, I'm not sure. I don't think it's a good idea to try and get autographs during the tournament, even if they are going to or from the practice tee. They are probably too preoccupied to even think about signing autographs. I sympathize with the little kids but I understand why some of the pro's don't do it. I do think a little politeness when declining would go a long way though.
Jerry

While I agree with this to some degree, they only get paid if they do well, so they need to be focused, more so that most other sports stars as far as I am concerned. Could you imagine the pressure a football player would be under if he were told he would only be paid if he made it to the playoffs? Now once the round is over I agree, they owe alot to the fans, if no one watched, there would be no one around willing to pay them to play.

Keith

This must be a tough situation for the players also. I am sure the vast majority hesitate to start signing autographs because they know at some point they are going to have to cut things off and leave some fans out.

If it were me my policy would probably be to not sign for anyone over 18. The adults can head over to the souvenir stand where pre signed visors are available at a nominal fee with all proceeds going to charity.

Who could argue with "sorry sir I am just signing for the kids". You would have a much better chance of getting every kid a autograph and provide an incentive for everyone to pop for a ticket for the kids and plant the seeds for a new generation of fans

The "work analogy" is perfectly appropriate. Golf is their job. Sometimes they simply don't have the time to sign everything or even anything on occassion. With all due respect to those who are into autographs and this includes the kids, I've always thought of it, even as a kid, as a rather pointless exercize. Unless you're a memorabilia collector, in which case you deserve whatever response you get. I'd much rather just say hello and get a handshake. J1MO.