Don't ignore the kids

[Kefielddegsy]

Watched Danny Willet win last week, which was great, but I was disappointed that as he walked off after winning, he totally ignored the young kids waiting at the ropes with their hands out. All they wanted was to touch their new idol, it would have made their day, but as too many pro's do nowadays, he put his head down and walked straight past. One even ran out to try again and was ignored again. You could tell he was gutted. Please Danny, take a leaf out of Mickelsons book and engage the public. It costs nothing and gets people and kids interested in you and the game.

 

[MKDave]

Couldn't agree more, especially when you put in to context the hours and hours they spend playing golf each week! We could only dream of getting the help, the scores and the chances to play the most amazing courses in the world. 10 minutes would be giving something back to the people that make this happen. Without the fans it wouldn't be such a lifestyle.

 

[Deleted member 1147]

Did they just want to tuoch their new idol, or did they want some free stuff?


I went to an open day at the Belfry and Gary Boyd did a master class. Afterwards he was talking to some people and a kid came up to him, interupted the conversation and asked if he could have his glove.

Cheeky little sod!

Also, I'd imagine that Willet was a little self absorbed after his first tour victory, it's kind of big thing!!

 

[The_ACE]

They were probably after his glove or such as mentioned above. Some do hand slaps after some don't, personally think a nod and a smile is enough or else it gets a bit too american

 

[Kefielddegsy]

Also, I'd imagine that Willet was a little self absorbed after his first tour victory, it's kind of big thing!!

I agree with this, but they looked to be just after a hand slap. My point is that it's not just Danny but a lot of pro's now that just put their heads down after a round, when they need to realise that the public are helping them earn a living. I also recognise that whilst on the course in their 'playing bubble', it's fair enough to keep to themselves, just open up afterwards a little bit. Hopefully next time he will. Mickelsons popularity is down to the fact he puts the effort in.

 

[bladeplayer]

Wasnt it Rory or someone that was accused of the same , seemingly then after the card signing he comes back out & does the PR stuff with the fans & the kids ,,

Mind you, if id won id be high 5ing everyone even the tea lady ha

But you are bang on it costs nothing to be nice

 

[JustOne]

I'd say the most important thing is to go and sign your card..... after that you should do the publicity stuff 100%. I wouldn't feel comfortable high 5'ing everyone until I knew my card was checked/in.

Good win for Willett... at last.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I think after the kerfuffle of the play-off and the first win he was probably a little too wrapped up in it all. Let's cut him some slack.

 

[drawboy]

I agree with the Op. It doesn't cost anything to give a hand slap or indeed give a youngster a ball, they do not pay for them so it isn't coming from their very wealthy pocket. Let's not forget he had just won more than most of us will see in a fair few years. So what if he gives his free glove away. Make a youngsters year these are the fans of the future who will help secure the future of the game, a wave or hand slap takes milliseconds. A smile and a "Hi" costs nowt.

 

[pbrown7582]

there must be a fine line between wanting to get and the totting up and card signings sorted and spending some time with the fans and especially younger kids that are at a tournement, that said i would fine it very disappointing if any player couldnt find even 5 mins to do a few sigggles on bits of paper and give a few hand slaps out.
for very little effort and no cost they will win a lot of good PR and fans for life.

 

[Losttheplot]

I can see both sides to the issue here, people are right and he should take time to do a few signatures etc but I agree he should walk to the officials hut and get his card signed/checked before anything else.
Theres nothing wrong with him saying as he walks past the kids that he just needs to get his card signed and he'll be back out in a few minutes.
does anyone know if he came back out and gave a few signature??

 

[Kefielddegsy]

This was done after the play off, so all cards were signed. He had won, no question. Don't mind so much if its an adult wanted a high five, they need to grow up, but when its kids it leaves an impression they won't forget.

 

[6inchcup]

i think a smile or a tilt of the cap is all that is needed,what next chest bumps and hugs and kisses and as for the new phenomenon of gangs of street urchins shouting and causing mayhem demanding balls gloves etc is unseemly,have an area set aside for autograph signings away from the final hole that can be supervised so the players that wish to sign autographs can do so with out it turning into a free for all,i thought golf was a civilized sport not for gangs of oiks to get something for nothing to then sell on e-bay.