D
Deleted member 15344
Guest
Don't you mean he has earned everything he has. It's his ability that has got him where he is - natural ability and damn hard work
Don't you mean he has earned everything he has. It's his ability that has got him where he is - natural ability and damn hard work
Neddy
Challenge Tour Pro
I could work just as hard and be just as naturally gifted at tiddlywinks as Rory is at Golf but it wouldn't make me a multi millionaire, because nobody would care.
If an awful lot of people before Rory hadn't worked bloody hard to grow the game, or if the fans didn't turn up/watch it on TV and noboby sponsored it, Rory wouldn't have anything like vast fortune he's amassed.
So, like it or not, it is his responsibility to help grow the game. I like Rory but every now and again he spouts something that stinks of arrogance. Today is one of those days.
D
Deleted member 15344
Guest
The only responsibility he has is to himself and his family to ensure that he is happy with his life and ensure it is right for him
People before him did nothing different beyond be given lots of money and appear in adverts and those same people before him still earn millions and do and did nothinh different to what Rory does or will do.
He is not responsible for the sport or its future growth - the governing bodies are , going to the Olympics is purely about money IMO and nothing to do with growing the sport
I expect golf fans will feel the same in regards the Olympics - most will be watching something else and Rory for me has is spot on - he and others play the game to win - simple as that.
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Region3
Ryder Cup Winner
I've just watched the press conference, and think the headline has been taken out of context.
He admitted he has a responsibility to the game due to the level of exposure he has by his position in the game, but it isn't his prime concern.
ie I'll do what's best for me and my career first and foremost, and if I can help "grow the game" after that then I will.
Just my take on it.
He admitted he has a responsibility to the game due to the level of exposure he has by his position in the game, but it isn't his prime concern.
ie I'll do what's best for me and my career first and foremost, and if I can help "grow the game" after that then I will.
Just my take on it.
Slab
Occasional Tour Caddy
I much prefer Rory when he's being more honest & forthright (not that I think he's dishonest at other times, just withholding the truth and toeing the corporate line)
I get the feeling though that he still held back yesterday and can't say to the press what he really wants to
I get the feeling though that he still held back yesterday and can't say to the press what he really wants to
Hacker Khan
Yurt Dwelling, Yoghurt Knitter
I agree with LP there. There are many many problems with the game with regards the growth of it that can be addressed by the governing bodies, golf clubs and many others. Rory does as any other golfer has done over the years, let's not have rose tinted glasses and think all the great golfers of the past have done all the 'growing of the game' as a charity event. Look at who the biggest earners in the game still are now. I am sure Rory could argue that his social media accounts are just as valid a way to grow the game and get greater exposure for himself as any now.
The Olympics originally wanted Tiger there when this was all first muted as he was the most famous sports person on the planet. Growing the game may have been a slight bonus, but again I would question how much appetite there is for the game with the associated environmental and financial costs in the countries where it does not have a foothold.
pokerjoke
Money List Winner
Rory initially stated the reason he was not going to the Olympics was the Zica virus but after seeing the conference I seriously doubt that was the full reason.
Like when he had toothache but didn't really so now I'm questioning his integrity.
He is entitled to do what he wants but be honest to the public and his fans.
If this was a major he and the others that have pulled out would be there ive no doubt about that.
Like when he had toothache but didn't really so now I'm questioning his integrity.
He is entitled to do what he wants but be honest to the public and his fans.
If this was a major he and the others that have pulled out would be there ive no doubt about that.
FairwayDodger
Money List Winner
Rory is a great player and comes across as a nice, genuine guy. I like him a lot.
But contrast his attitude to that of jack Nicklaus who says everything he has he owes to the game of golf. There's a great man who has done very well from golf but recognises it, puts a lot back in and is a superb ambassador for the game. I'm not old enough to say whether jack was always like that or if his perspective evolved as he got older and less competitive but I certainly hope Rory matures over the years and comes to realise he does owe golf something.
But contrast his attitude to that of jack Nicklaus who says everything he has he owes to the game of golf. There's a great man who has done very well from golf but recognises it, puts a lot back in and is a superb ambassador for the game. I'm not old enough to say whether jack was always like that or if his perspective evolved as he got older and less competitive but I certainly hope Rory matures over the years and comes to realise he does owe golf something.
GB72
Money List Winner
Heard an interesting interview this morning by a woman from GB squash who said that all top players signed a pledge to be involved as part of the Olympic application and she would be surprised if golfers had not done the same. Be interesting to see who signed it and could explain why the Zika virus made a handy exit excuse
SwingsitlikeHogan
Major Champion
And so today we stand on the threshold of the Open only being live on Sky - hardly likely to encourage growth of the game here in it's heartland - the UK - where interest in golf has been waning over the last few years. So R&A think - I know - lets take it off BBC and put it on Sky. Yes - there will be more money for the grassroots - but I suspect that that money will be aimed at kids - when many clubs need a boost now! How about the R&A putting some money to clubs to fund 'academies' for new players. Having looked into it I can't help but note that the cost of joining the ladies or gents academy at my place is still equivalent to full membership in most other parts of the country.
Hacker Khan
Yurt Dwelling, Yoghurt Knitter
But does the fact that they are needing players to sign a 'pledge' say something in its own? Any top player in a sport where the Olympics is the pinnacle would go anyway, they would not need to sign any pledges.
GB72
Money List Winner
Not saying it is right but interested to see who, if anyone, signed a pledge to help get golf in the Olympics at a cost to other, perhaps more deserving, sports
Spear-Chucker
Tour Rookie
Interesting discussion. Have to agree with Rory that he doesn't HAVE to try to grow the game as his priority is PLAYING the game after all. He probably does more just showing up at events than most of us could ever achieve. However, with his position in the top order of the game (standing, money, voice etc.) I think he has a responsibility to give something back and it would be nice if at some point he feels this way. He's a young bloke though and has a lot of learning to do - I know I've changed somewhat in my attitudes in the 20 yrs since my early 20's.
I do wonder how many people on here have watched his interview in full rather than caught the soundbites on Sky Sports News or the BBC website and made their judgements on them alone.
He explicitly stated that he understands that he now has a responsibility to help grow the game, but that just wasn't why he got into it (which is obvious, no kid growing up plays any sport to help grow the game they play!). So he isn't shying away from giving something back to the game - you only had to see how much time he spent in the Autograph Zone yesterday to see that he respects this.
He explicitly stated that he understands that he now has a responsibility to help grow the game, but that just wasn't why he got into it (which is obvious, no kid growing up plays any sport to help grow the game they play!). So he isn't shying away from giving something back to the game - you only had to see how much time he spent in the Autograph Zone yesterday to see that he respects this.
garyinderry
Ryder Cup Winner
Responsibility to grow the game is one thing. taking a dump on the event is quite the other.
The whole thing is going to be tainted by these top players not being there. If you can't be bothered to turn up, don't belittle the other guys achievements who believe in golf at the Olympics moving forward.
I for one am all for it. It will be on a free to air channel. Can't be a bad thing. My girlfriend watches every sport going during the Olympics and Para games. There will definitely be people watching who haven't done in the past.
Only one woman pulling out is the most telling thing for me.
The whole thing is going to be tainted by these top players not being there. If you can't be bothered to turn up, don't belittle the other guys achievements who believe in golf at the Olympics moving forward.
I for one am all for it. It will be on a free to air channel. Can't be a bad thing. My girlfriend watches every sport going during the Olympics and Para games. There will definitely be people watching who haven't done in the past.
Only one woman pulling out is the most telling thing for me.
The responsibility to grow the game lies with the various ruling bodies, e.g. R&A and the USPGA, not the players. If they want to involve the players in that, the courtesy of a conversation/meeting would have been a good idea.
Although Rory's comments were blunt, they were honest. A bit foot in mouth but he's entitled to say them if that's how he feels. The alternative is a sanitised interview, which isn't worth the effort.
Although Rory's comments were blunt, they were honest. A bit foot in mouth but he's entitled to say them if that's how he feels. The alternative is a sanitised interview, which isn't worth the effort.
garyinderry
Ryder Cup Winner
If that's how he felt then why drag out the 'who will he represent' saga?
He should have refused the offer when first put to him and wished everyone luck in their endeavours to win gold for themselves and their country.
A simple, it doesn't interest me would suffice.
Like I said, a bit foot in mouth. And maybe he changed his mind from playing to not playing. Van Zyl is actually missing the Open and the US PGA to concentrate on the Olympics. He has a different opinion. Personally, its their choice.
I'd rather see the top amateurs there. At least I feel a closer affinity to amateurs than the pampered pros.
GB72
Money List Winner
Thing is I do not believe it matters who is at the Olympics. Olympic success is what spreads a sport in a country and can make the name of a winner. Top amateurs would have been just as good. Not many Olympians are household names before they win.
What does matter is if golf got a place at the expense of another sport if it was on the assurances of top names taking part.
What does matter is if golf got a place at the expense of another sport if it was on the assurances of top names taking part.
That whole saga was way before the shoddy uninteresting format was announced, and long before the even shoddier scheduling of this season was. It might have changed his mind (and others) if he had actually been playing in a team format event of some kind, and they hadn't crammed 3 majors into to 10 weeks before the tournament. Change those 2 things and a few of those that have withdrawn would be there. IMO the scheduling is the number 1 reason behind those pulling out.
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