Westwood, McIlroy draw criticism

[Kilroy]

Decisions by world number one Lee Westwood and fellow Briton Rory McIlroy to skip this week's Players Championship at the TPC Sawgrass have drawn stinging criticism from American sports commentators.

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[fundonny]

As they should. Ya ya, free will, their choice, blah blah blah. Fact is this is the PGA's crown jewel and to not support the organization that has provided them with the millions and millions of dollars they have is ridonk. All because of Chubby Chandler or whatever his name is. No one should skip The Players unless you're hurt.

[sebber]

I think the point system is broken, how can the world number 1 not be part of the best tour in the world? It would be like saying the best hockey player in the world is playing in the swedish elite league. That would never happen! I wont go as far as saying that it's easy to win on the european tour and asian tour. But I am sure it's a little easier to be successful there when all the great player's of the game are on the PGA tour!

[golfisforfun]

I think it is great that a player decides to play whatever tournament he wants to play. He is trying to make a living and win tournaments. If you don't like a course, why play it? If you have other tournaments scheduled, then go play them.
The Americans just can't handle the fact that someone doesn't think they are the most important people in the world!
And the PGA does not provide these guys with all their millions of $$$. They earn a LOT of money on European Tour as well, so maybe they feel some loyalty to that tour... Or maybe they just like being in Europe... Maybe they actually don't like playing in the US at all... Who knows, and who cares what the reason is, because they have the right to pick their own schedule.
If we are going to pick on players for skipping tourneys, then let's talk about Tiger picking his spots all career long...

[fourlights]

If we are going to pick on players for skipping tourneys, then let's talk about Tiger picking his spots all career long...

Would you be satisfied if Tiger played every week? Don't turn this into another Tiger bashing thread.

[goochy]

They are not members of the PGA tour. Westwood especially has made his name and money as a member of the European Tour. He is showing loyalty to the tour that made him, his own tour and the tour he belongs to.

Don't forget the Majors are not PGA tour events...they are co-sanctioned PGA and European Tour Events. And Sebber mate, I tuly believe that at this moment in time there is a real argument to suggest the PGA tour is NOT the best tour in the world but the European Tour is.

I think it is a shame for me the viewer that they are not playing but I fully understand why they are not.

[golfisforfun]

Would you be satisfied if Tiger played every week? Don't turn this into another Tiger bashing thread.

I am not "Tiger bashing" and I could care less if Tiger played every week. There are a lot of golfers that I find much more entertaining than Tiger.

I was simply saying that if we are going to criticize some players for skipping tournaments, we should examine all players.

And if Rory doesn't like the course, that's his call.

I think it is great that some players stay loyal to the tours where they got their start.

[Wilster]

They are not members of the PGA tour. Westwood especially has made his name and money as a member of the European Tour. He is showing loyalty to the tour that made him, his own tour and the tour he belongs to.

Don't forget the Majors are not PGA tour events...they are co-sanctioned PGA and European Tour Events. And Sebber mate, I tuly believe that at this moment in time there is a real argument to suggest the PGA tour is NOT the best tour in the world but the European Tour is.

I think it is a shame for me the viewer that they are not playing but I fully understand why they are not.

My thoughts exactly , the PGA has some great events but the European tour equally so.
As far as McIlroy saying he dosn't like the course , all power to him .
And really , who cares what Miller has to say , he's only a hack Commentator .

[LobWedge]

They are not members of the PGA tour. Westwood especially has made his name and money as a member of the European Tour. He is showing loyalty to the tour that made him, his own tour and the tour he belongs to.

Don't forget the Majors are not PGA tour events...they are co-sanctioned PGA and European Tour Events. And Sebber mate, I tuly believe that at this moment in time there is a real argument to suggest the PGA tour is NOT the best tour in the world but the European Tour is.

I think it is a shame for me the viewer that they are not playing but I fully understand why they are not.

My thoughts exactly , the PGA has some great events but the European tour equally so.
As far as McIlroy saying he dosn't like the course , all power to him .
And really , who cares what Miller has to say , he's only a hack Commentator .

+1

[fourlights]

I tuly believe that at this moment in time there is a real argument to suggest the PGA tour is NOT the best tour in the world but the European Tour is.

The European Tour may occupy a greater percentage of top ten players in the world, but from 11-100 the PGA tour has a far greater number of players. Their best might be better, but the PGA tour is way deeper.

[fourlights]

And really , who cares what Miller has to say , he's only a hack Commentator .

Hack commentator? What specifically would make you say that?

[fundonny]

Miller does his job, very well. It's his job for people to react, and they do. Just like any great announcer, some love him and some hate him. Wouldn't have it any other way.

[em69]

This statement says it all to me:

"He'd rather win a World Golf Championship than the Players Championship,..."

This is not a big deal in my opinion. Perhaps the statement hurt some poeples feelings.

[Wilster]

Hack commentator? What specifically would make you say that?

Nothing specific , http://thegreensidebunker.wordpress....llerknowsbest/

[Kilroy]

I used to like Miller (10 years ago) when he had some tiny speck of humility. Now though I think he is way too full of himself. He hasn't played competive golf in years, but still it's all about him when he opens his mouth.

[LobWedge]

I used to like Miller (10 years ago) when he had some tiny speck of humility. Now though I think he is way too full of himself. He hasn't played competive golf in years, but still it's all about him when he opens his mouth.

Some guys just can't let go. He's like the Brett Favre of the golf world. He should take some lessons in humility from Ian Baker Finch.

[fourlights]

Miller is a Hall of Fame golfer and in my opinion a Hall of Fame broadcaster. He's been there and done that and I enjoy his perspective.

[fourlights]

Nothing specific , http://thegreensidebunker.wordpress....llerknowsbest/

Using the internet, I'm sure I could come up with worse examples of broadcast journalism for any commentator.

[Wilster]

Using the internet, I'm sure I could come up with worse examples of broadcast journalism for any commentator.

I'm sure you could too , but you asked for Johnny Miller specifically.
For sure , in his day , he was a great golfer .