In thinking about it, I've come to the conclusion that the Rory Sabatini-Ben Crane Controversy - in which Rory got so fed up with Ben's slow play he left him on the green and walked to the next tee last year - is actually a tribute to the game of professional golf.
When it happened, Paul Azlinger gave Rory the business on TV - I didn't hear it, but apparently Paul had a few things to say about Rory's behavior, none of them positive. Well, they were talking about it just now on TV because Sabitini's in contention at the Nissan, and they talked about it for a good few minutes.
It got me to thinking - this is controversy in professional golf. It's not about a guy beating his wife, it's not about DWI's or drug possession charges or a player throwing a guy through a picture window at a bar, not about someone taking a swing at a fan. It's about a guy who got fed up with someone playing so *$&$#@!# slow and walked away.
That says a lot of things - a lot of positive things - about the quality of people on the PGA Tour.
Good for Sabbatini , had it been someone more likable he would have been lauded a hero
that being said , I hope Sabbatini chokes like a dog tomorrow and Freddie kicks butt
Azinger is a mouthy wimp that thinks he is tough. Sabbatini probably could kick his tail. Zinger , the wimp, was more out of line then Sabbatini. Roxy should have been praised for taking a stand on that ****slow play.
btw, Zinger is a horrible announcer
Last edited by leaguegolf : February 18th, 2006 at 09:13 PM.
Reason: Inappropriate Language
Zinger's been through a lot. He fought a successful battle against cancer. That is a different toughness, but a wimp? As I recall, Rory's wife gave him pure *&%$ for his behavior. Not everyone thought he was right. Slow gets old, but Sabbatini was plain rude.
Good for Sabbatini , had it been someone more likable he would have been lauded a hero
that being said , I hope Sabbatini chokes like a dog tomorrow and Freddie kicks butt
Azinger is a mouthy wimp that thinks he is tough. Sabbatini probably could kick his tail. Zinger , the wimp, was more out of line then Sabbatini. Roxy should have been praised for taking a stand on that ****slow play.
btw, Zinger is a horrible announcer
Sabbatini may have been right with his intent, but he was dead wrong with his actions. There's no argument that Crane is slow, but golf is still a gentleman's game and Sabbatini was anything but a gentleman with his tantrum-like behavior. There were lots of ways to deal with that situation and Sabbatini chose the most juvenile. Sabbatini has publicly acknowledged that he should've handled it differently.
BTW Zinger is a popular partner to Faldo and I suspect you'll be seeing a lot more of him in the booth. Paul kicked cancer's butt.....he ain't afraid of Sabbatini!
Zinger mentioned that the first time they were around each other Sabbatini pretty much ignored him. When they eventually talked Zinger said Sabbatini was cool with everything and he (Zinger) couldn't shut him up the rest of the round!
Why was it necessary to replay the entire incident for which Sabbatini has already apologised - to create sensation maybe? It's been acknowledged that he behaved like a jerk - leave it there! We don't have replays of Wood's caddie threatening fans now do we?
Why was it necessary to replay the entire incident for which Sabbatini has already apologised - to create sensation maybe? It's been acknowledged that he behaved like a jerk - leave it there! We don't have replays of Wood's caddie threatening fans now do we?
I assume you're addressing the thread on this comment? Pardon me but I thought this was a golf discussion forum and..Yep were talking about golf.
I think the mainpoint mr3856a was trying to point out the 'mistakes' in golf are alot different to other sports and its shown through this incident. I apologise myself if the main topic went a little offline.
I assume you're addressing the thread on this comment? Pardon me but I thought this was a golf discussion forum and..Yep were talking about golf.
I think the mainpoint mr3856a was trying to point out the 'mistakes' in golf are alot different to other sports and its shown through this incident. I apologise myself if the main topic went a little offline.
Actually, Paul Azinger brought up the incident during the telecast yesterday and spent about 5 or so minutes on it. He mostly was discussing how he raked Rory over the coals which he now feels he should have done, and how Rory apologized for the incident. Paul mentioned that they are now talking to each other again.
Actually, Paul Azinger brought up the incident during the telecast yesterday and spent about 5 or so minutes on it. He mostly was discussing how he raked Rory over the coals which he now feels he should have done, and how Rory apologized for the incident. Paul mentioned that they are now talking to each other again.
Well then I apologise. I didnt watch the PGA tour coverage yesterday.
It got me to thinking - this is controversy in professional golf. It's not about a guy beating his wife, it's not about DWI's or drug possession charges or a player throwing a guy through a picture window at a bar, not about someone taking a swing at a fan. It's about a guy who got fed up with someone playing so *$&$#@!# slow and walked away.
That says a lot of things - a lot of positive things - about the quality of people on the PGA Tour.
You are absolutely right. The honor and integrity of golf is one of the things that sets it apart from other sports. Hopefully it will stay that way.
Rory did the right thing . Why should he face the possibility of getting socked with a two stroke penalty for slow play thereby losing thousands of dollars just because Crane was too slow. I don't understand Azinger getting on Rory's case instead of chastising Crane, the real culprit.
Rory did the right thing . Why should he face the possibility of getting socked with a two stroke penalty for slow play thereby losing thousands of dollars just because Crane was too slow. I don't understand Azinger getting on Rory's case instead of chastising Crane, the real culprit.
That's a good point Bolt Fore. Many have said that there were "other, better" ways for Sabbs to have handled the situation. Seeing as he was on the clock also, what should Sabbs have done ? They both knew that they were on the clock and Crane continued at his own leisurely pace so Rory let it be known that he was not the one holding things up. There should be a better way of moving these guys along and making each responsible for their own pace of play. If they continue to leave it to the group to "work it out amongst themselves" to speed things up, I'd expect to see more incidents such as this.
BTW Zinger is a popular partner to Faldo and I suspect you'll be seeing a lot more of him in the booth. Paul kicked cancer's butt.....he ain't afraid of Sabbatini!
I think they make a great team of contrasting styles. Faldo is great.. I just wish he'd speak up a bit more. This Yank misses some of his better lines. Understated needn't be so quiet.
February 18th, 2006, 05:49 PM
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