How many among us golfers, amateur or professional, have been unfortunate enough to be halfway round a course, at 7 a.m. in horrendous weather conditions? Probably very few.
How many golfers who wear spectacles find it difficult to play, even in light rain?
Sandy Lyle, in last week's Open Championship was reluctantly forced to retire after nine holes with frozen hands (a condition he has suffered from for some time) and because he wears glasses, he found it impossible to see through the continuous torrential rain.
Ninety-nine out of 100 golfers would have done the same thing.
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Unfortunately, the R&A and the British media have crucified Sandy, demanding he should never be considered to fulfill his lifetime ambition to captain a European Ryder Cup Team.
He has written a letter of apology to the R&A, which has been accepted, and in turn their CEO has declared the matter to be closed.
Not so the media, and what a strange assortment they are. For reasons best known to themselves, they delight in joining together like a pack of wolves on any poor unfortunate who happens to become a target.
There is a least one professional on the European Tour whose conduct over the years leaves a lot to be desired. He has caused havoc with obnoxious behaviour on courses throughout the world and escapes the wrath of the press who put it down to his desire to win, which in their opinion is the quality required to captain a European Team.
Total rubbish!
Sandy Lyle, has always been and will remain a gentleman of the highest order and certainly does not merit the castigation handed out in the past seven days.
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about 1 month ago
I agree Peter. Lyle is 50 years old, hardely even plays on the PGA Tour anymore and realistically had no chance of winning the British Open - why stay out there with frozen hands while being blinded by rain in the glasses?? Anyone would have called it quits after 9 in that weather.
The British media at times can be shocking in their personal attacks on athletes.
Nice article!
about 1 month ago
Sandy Lyle is a PROFESSIONAL golfer. Professional golfers are held to a higher standard than the average golfer. If he thought age, weather, or any other factor would impede on his ability to play the tournament he should have withdrawn prior to his tee time and given someone else the chance.
You can not convince me that Mr. Lyle thought the weather wouldn't be a factor in his ability to compete.
I am an amateur, duffer, weekender, whatever you want to call me. I have played in wind, rain, extreme heat, and I did it all in prescription glasses. I did so because I chose to. For Mr. Lyle, it is his job, profession, career of choice. He knows the risks. If he thought that he wasn't going to be able to fulfill his obligation (and I for one, believe he knew he wasn't going to make it) he should have withdrawn.
Walking off the course mid round, in my opinion, is unprofessional. Regardless of my thoughts, the media has every right to crucify him. I know I wouldn't want a quitter to be my team captain.
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