Why I hate reporters

[Springbok]

http://www.golf.com/golf/tours_news/articl...1618508,00.html

 

Now you tell me. Where on earth did tiger "Rip" the 17th? Obviously the reporter does not know the meaning (or intent) or the word. Pure sensationalism.

[chippen]

Wow, this took longer than I thought for someone to go after this topic.

 

From Cambridge Dictionary of American English:

gimmick

noun [C]

something invented esp. for the purpose of attracting attention and that has no other purpose or value.

 

From Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Main Entry: gim·mick

Pronunciation: 'gi-mik

Function: noun

Etymology: origin unknown

1 a : a mechanical device for secretly and dishonestly controlling gambling apparatus b : an ingenious or novel mechanical device : GADGET

2 a : an important feature that is not immediately apparent : CATCH b : an ingenious and usually new scheme or angle c : a trick or device used to attract business or attention <a marketing gimmick>

 

Ouch!!!

 

I can't wait to see how Tiger plays this hole over the weekend. There could be some loud cheers if he clacks a few balls into the "mechanical device for secretly and dishonestly controlling gambling apparatus "

[Grimace45]

Heaven forbid Tiger have an opinion about a course layout. Just another reporter trying to make a story out of nothing.

[DRGJR72]

"I've always thought that that hole is too gimmicky for the 17th hole of a championship".

 

How are they making something out of nothing there????

 

The 17th at Sawgrass is the 17th hole of the Players Championship....seems to me that he is calling it gimmicky for a championship.....but that is his opinon and he is entitled to it....now them ripping him on it, is another story.....

 

But he does not have the best record on that hole....I think that I saw something to the effect that he has one of the top 10 stroke averages on that hole....maybe that is part of the disdain......Although he has had some recent success on that hole and maybe should like it more.

 

I think that any player on tour can comment whenever they want......that is what the press wants and that is why they hold press confrences, to get some stuff to write about....they want some juice, something to write about....But to be honest....I have played 17 at sawgrass and it is not that great of a hole, it is a 9 or PW and the green is pretty big......the challenge is not hitting it into the water when the pressure is on.....and that is what makes it special not gimmicky......IMO.

 

Has Tiger designed a course yet???? Just curious....I would like to see how his design compares to sawgrass??? and where in his course he would put his gimmicky signature hole???? Do you think sawgrass would have the allure that it does without 17???? I certainly doubt it...

 

Just my two cents....

 

DG

[onkelbenz]

He's about to plan a course in Dubai. Haven't seen anything about it yet, though. But I think that's one of the reasons why he was playing over there this year, to keep in contact with the sheikhs.

 

I think he has a point in where in a championship this hole plays its role, the 71st hole. It should be the very 72nd :friends: No seriously, there are many really tough finishes where you could lose 2-3 strokes on any single hole, so I think it's great as it is. Just my opinion, though.

OB

 

 

edit:spelling

[JSmith083092]

Do remember that the 17th is were Tiger tied it up in the 1994 US Amateur.

[yoonie]

I think Tiger said that it would be great as something like an 8th hole, not at 17th. I think he doesn't have the problem with the hole so much as the fact that as the 17th hole, it's inordinately imporant for a poorly designed (in Tiger's opinion, unless someone thinks he thinks it's a well designed gimmick...) hole.

[skitzo]

You can bet yer favorite putter that if ol Tiger were leading the tournament by 6 and had birdied the 17th a couple of times in the process, the hole wouldn't be nearly as "gimmicky". The world's best golfer without a doubt...the world's classiest golfer? Not a chance.

[Baller]

I think Tiger said that it would be great as something like an 8th hole, not at 17th. I think he doesn't have the problem with the hole so much as the fact that as the 17th hole, it's inordinately imporant for a poorly designed (in Tiger's opinion, unless someone thinks he thinks it's a well designed gimmick...) hole.

 

 

I agree 100%. The 17th hole of a Golf tournament should not be one that is poorly designed as this one. I fear it was created our of a lack of proper materials in the course design, instead of consideration for the level of scoring importance it could have coming down the stretch of a PGA championship! It fill it should be re-design with the appropriate bale-out areas for missed shots, and the Drop area should be repositioned.

 

Sean O'Hair

[DRGJR72]

I still think the main point of this is that if 17 was different than it is....I.E. bail out area, no water, not as gimmicky, etc.... do you think the Players Championship would:

 

A) Still be at Sawgrass with all the other available great tracks?

B) Be as popular?

C) Be a topic for discussion?

 

I highly doubt it. It is kind of neat to see the best players in the world sweat a little. Plus it is 130-140 yds depending on where they have the tee....these guys should be able to handle that shot.

 

I have played 17 and the green is fairly big.

 

The bottom line is that is how it is, they all have to play it. I don't think it will change anytime soon. So enjoy it and try to keep it dry.....

 

Dan

[italianstallion]

In my opinion, 16, 17, and 18 define the players championship. Make the 17th hole the 8th hole at that course, and not only will you lose the allure of the finish, but the players will also have a long walk from 7, to 8 (17th), back to 9, and a long walk from 16, to 17 (8th hole) back to the 18th, if you get what I'm saying here.

 

Not only have I heard the green is big, but its also plays no longer than what, 150 yards, MAX? In my opinion, I still can't believe the world's number one player is complaining about a hole that's anywhere from 120-150 yards long being too difficult for a 17th hole. Aim to the center of the green if you don't like the hazard of playing it.

 

PS, i'm not a tiger lover or hater.

[Bobcat43]

I agree with Springbok. Tiger gets ripped when he gives his "canned" answers and says nothing. Now if he gives even a little something else he gets ripped. This is more of a overall problem with our society.

 

Too much media! When there isn't enough news to go around then it gets invented. Sorry if I offend anyone in the industry, just my opinion. But if you think I'm wrong? Then why in the world do we even know or care who Paris Hilton is?

 

Just a little food for thought in our socialist society! Oh and another thing....

[italianstallion]

Just a little food for thought in our socialist society! Oh and another thing....

 

;) :tongue: :D

 

That was great!

[jjc2257]

Tiger gave his opinion, albeit unglowing and he has been called out on it by the media as well as some golf fans. So be it, that is the way things work. Tiger by no means needs people to defend him. There are 100 boot lickers in favor of "everything" Tiger says for every one person who disagrees....just listen to the Golf Channel. My .02

[Baller]

I still think the main point of this is that if 17 was different than it is....I.E. bail out area, no water, not as gimmicky, etc.... do you think the Players Championship would:

 

A) Still be at Sawgrass with all the other available great tracks?

B) Be as popular?

C) Be a topic for discussion?

 

I highly doubt it. It is kind of neat to see the best players in the world sweat a little. Plus it is 130-140 yds depending on where they have the tee....these guys should be able to handle that shot.

 

I have played 17 and the green is fairly big.

 

The bottom line is that is how it is, they all have to play it. I don't think it will change anytime soon. So enjoy it and try to keep it dry.....

 

Dan

 

I personally think that the 17th is a great hole. These guys are professionals and should be able to execute under pressure. They hit golf balls for a living, so a 140yrd shot under any circumstance should not be a problem.

 

Since the 17th cost Sean O'Hair around $750K, I think he may disagree. Which was really my point

[DavidR]

In my opinion, I still can't believe the world's number one player is complaining about a hole that's anywhere from 120-150 yards long being too difficult for a 17th hole. Aim to the center of the green if you don't like the hazard of playing it.

 

I don't think Tiger ever said it was to difficult?? He said it was to gimmicky, completely different meanings there.

 

 

I agree with many of you that the 17th is a great hole. It really tests your nerves near the end of the round on Sunday.

[italianstallion]

In my opinion, I still can't believe the world's number one player is complaining about a hole that's anywhere from 120-150 yards long being too difficult for a 17th hole. Aim to the center of the green if you don't like the hazard of playing it.

 

I don't think Tiger ever said it was to difficult?? He said it was to gimmicky, completely different meanings there.

 

 

I agree with many of you that the 17th is a great hole. It really tests your nerves near the end of the round on Sunday.

 

Excuse me, gimmicky as a 17th hole. They way I interpreted it (and I may or may not be alone here) is that he meant that too much is riding on your tee shot on that hole, the tournament can be won or lost there, like it was this weekend. As an 8th hole, you can make double and still come back from it. I meant difficult in that sense, but maybe I'm putting words in his mouth.

[TheCapedAvenger]

As a player, that hole sucks. Does that mean it's bad?

 

Not for those watching. Really, what you have is the juxtaposition between what the players want and what the fans want.

 

I'll bet the gladiators had some choice words about strategically placed lions, but the fans liked it. At least 17 can't take a huge chunk out of your arse muscles.

[laseranimal]

if Sean had knocked it to 3' or holed it would it still be gimmicky?