Professional Golfers - Respect is due

[medwayjon]

It is amazing that a lot of guys played at Doral, jumped on a plane and then straight out for 18 in the Tavistock cup.

I have the upmost respect for these guys, it is testament to their fitness. I would be frigged after 6 days at one place then to have to jump on a plane and go do it all again, in the same day, no thanks.

And some idiots say that golf isn't a sport. Just because the pro's don't leg it after a ball or punch each others lights out doesn't make them any less of a sportsman than Beckham, Calzaghe etc.

 

[toonarmy]

The next time someone tells me it's not a sport, I will grab them by the neck and get them to pull a trolley around a hilly course in the wet and snow and see how fresh and fit they feel by the end of it.

And then make them do it for the next three days in a row.

However, those pampered pros with someone carrying their bag for them have got it easy...

 

[Junior]

Lets not forget that they dont just play 5 hours of golf a day , they practice for about an hour before the round, play the round , sign the card, and then back onto the practice ground or putting green for a couple of hours with their coach.

Its a days work with a lot of pressure for the lesser known players trying to make their way on tour.

I remember seeing an interview with Paul Casey (on "playing lessons with the pros" - good old golf channel days) where he said that if he only played twice a week he wouldn't be able to make it on tour and that he would probably be a club pro somewhere !!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

At the end of the day though I think we'd all like to swap places with them.

 

[Marko77]

Jon, im fully in agreement, Professional golfers do have to maintain a level of fitness for what they do, however, I'm of the opinion is was in most of their best interests to get themselves up to that Tavistock Cup. Other events/functions with lesser or no tv coverage or sponsorship might not have received such dedication? Just a thought...

 

[SammmeBee]

Have to disagree I am afraid.

Unfortunatley they have the brains (very little) of all professional sportsmen and only think about one thing - themselves, which in the current climate usually manifests itself in where the most money is.

 

[RGuk]

Unfortunatley they have the brains (very little) of all professional sportsmen

I think you are being a bit harsh....golfers are way brighter than most other sportsmen...surely...?

 

[nackanut]

respect is due to these guys they must hit over 1500 balls a week work in the gym and the short game and with the flat stick. thats 9 till whenever seven days a week. god i wish i could do that! mind you playing of 23 i think i should maybe then ill get down to 22

 

[John_Findlay]

....golfers are way brighter than most other sportsmen...surely...?

I have to agree, Dave.....although I'm a little concerned at Tiger's habit of calling his golfing mates by their footballer's names, e.g. Poultsy, Clarkey and Bads

When I hear him saying "At the end of the day, Tim" I'm off!

 

[RGuk]

I have to agree, Dave.....

Yes; I, for one, particularly like Golf because at least there's a hope of using brains to beat the natural "bat and ball men".
I notice that the chap who put forward the theory that Golfers are a bit thick plays entirely Nike gear.....how's that for imgination!!!

 

[TonyN]

Have to disagree I am afraid.

Unfortunatley they have the brains (very little) of all professional sportsmen and only think about one thing - themselves, which in the current climate usually manifests itself in where the most money is.

Don't you ever put in any over time at work?

Would you not take that opportunity if you were a pro?


Massive respect is due to these guys. Its hard enough to put the front and the back together in one round but to do it for four days, under pressure, in front of camera's. The pro's are amazing. That is hard work, comittment and dedication at its higheest level.

 

[Glenfish]

Hmmm! Not sure they do themselves any favours allowing some players to walk around a course smoking a fag??? Some fit athletic sportsman that!

 

[Parmo]

Hmmm! Not sure they do themselves any favours allowing some players to walk around a course smoking a fag??? Some fit athletic sportsman that!

And that stops them being sportsmen how?

To me golfers are like 1960s rock and rollers, they are constantly on the road living from suitcases, they make a ton of cash, even if they are only half decent and they get to do what they love. If I have the choice, not a chance I love my family too much to spend 9 months a year away from them.

 

[stevelockie]

I find it quite amusing and ironic that someone is dissing pro golfers on a golf forum!

 

[SammmeBee]

I think there is a difference between 'opinion' and 'dissing'. To become a great athlete/sportsman you have to have the mind set that you are the only thing that matters - that is why golf pros get as good as they are because of that mind set. It is the same with footballers and rugby players are going that way now.

I think it is great that they play such great golf and would love myself to break 70 with ease but to have 'respect' for someone that won't play in a tournament because there is not enough money on offer, or they show no loyalty to the tour that got them to where they are and what they earn deserves absolutley nothing.

Don't just watch them on TV - play in a Pro-Am and see how many pros have just a drink let alone the meal with their 'team' after the game.

.....oh and for Mr Tommy Armour - have you noticed what clubs the best player in the world uses?

 

[stevelockie]

People only think of the prize money the players get. The overheads they have are astronomical. Travel and accomodation, coaching fees, medical treatment and entry fees. That's no including the "standard" living costs we all have (mortgage, council tax etc). These guys need to earn well in excess of £100k per year, just to break even!

That's pressure, make the cut or you fall behind on your mortgage payments! Who can blame them for picking tourneys with the most money!

 

[medwayjon]

A pro I know wants to get onto the challenge tour, he reckons that he will need £70k to finance 1 season.

He says that competitive golf is for rich kids and those with daddies who have business pals to sponsor them.

 

[TonyN]

I think there is a difference between 'opinion' and 'dissing'. To become a great athlete/sportsman you have to have the mind set that you are the only thing that matters - that is why golf pros get as good as they are because of that mind set. It is the same with footballers and rugby players are going that way now.

I disagree with this point. Its not necessarily wrong but look at David Beckam for example. i think is he is one of the greatest sportsman i have had the good fortune to watch growing up. But he clearly puts his family before himself and yet still manages to compete on a world level.

But i get your gist. They do have to be very much focused on them selves.

 

[muttleee]

they show no loyalty to the tour that got them to where they are and what they earn

Not sure why loyalty should come into it? Pros play golf for a living and if they can earn more elsewhere, why shouldn't they? If you had the chance of a better paid job with another company, would you turn it down because you consider it disloyal to your current employer, who no doubt trained you up etc and made you worthy of that better job? I thought not...

 

[SammmeBee]

they show no loyalty to the tour that got them to where they are and what they earn

Not sure why loyalty should come into it? Pros play golf for a living and if they can earn more elsewhere, why shouldn't they? If you had the chance of a better paid job with another company, would you turn it down because you consider it disloyal to your current employer, who no doubt trained you up etc and made you worthy of that better job? I thought not...

Point taken but what if a tournament was ever held in the North but fatty Clarke and Rory whathisname went off to play somewhere else because of more money....