From Donald Trump’s outlandish comments, to the Solheim Cup controversy, to a near-fight at the WGC-Match Play, check out 2015’s biggest turkeys in golf.
Donald Trump’s comments on Mexican immigrants may have served him well in the polls, but they presented problems in the golf world. After first saying he hadn’t heard anything negative from the golf industry, Trump encountered a joint statement from the PGA Tour, LPGA, PGA of America and USGA, which read in part: “Mr. Trump’s comments are inconsistent with our strong commitment to an inclusive and welcoming environment in the game of golf.” Trump and the PGA of America reached a mutual agreement to move the Grand Slam of Golf away from Trump National Los Angeles, while LPGA head Mike Whan said he would have preferred not to play the Women’s British at Trump Turnberry, but it was too late to do so.
Suzann Pettersen put herself in an unenviable position at the Solheim Cup, when she insisted she had not conceded Alison Lee’s putt on the 17th hole Sunday, resulting in a loss of hole for the Americans. Lee was left in tears. Pettersen’s partner Charley Hull was, too. But Pettersen refused to yield, even going against captain Carin Koch’s apparent wishes that she concede 18. Pettersen eventually apologized both on Instagram and in an exclusive interview with Golf Channel, but her reputation had already taken a serious hit.
It’s unclear who - if anyone - ever said, “It’s good.” Whether it was Pettersen and Hull, whether a fan in the crowd yelled something, or whether Alison Lee just assumed it was good, Lee picked up her ball, costing the Americans a vital point. Luckily for Lee, the U.S. rallied to win the Cup, and Pettersen took the brunt of the blame. Still, Lee picked up her ball when perhaps she shouldn’t have.
Somehow it makes sense that this story involves someone named “Pepsi.” Keegan Bradley and Miguel Angel Jimenez went nose to nose at the WGC-Match Play, after Bradley called in a rules official and Jimenez accused him of taking improper relief. The argument culminated with Jimenez jawing with Bradley’s caddie, Steve “Pepsi” Hale, before Bradley jumped in, repeatedly telling Jimenez to “shut up.” It’s as close as you get to fighting in golf, and both players came out looking like a couple of turkeys.
From the poa annua that crept into the greens, to Mike Davis’ changing of par on the 18th hole, to the fans not being able to watch the action on No. 8, the U.S. Open at Chambers Bay had its share of issues. Players bristled, Gary Player shouted, and fans didn’t much recognize an event usually trademarked by high rough and pristine conditions. It all would have been worse if not for the event’s outcome, with Jordan Spieth capturing his second straight major (even though the poa likely played a part in Dustin Johnson’s closing three-putt). Speaking of which …
After returning from his leave of absence with a win at the WGC-Cadillac, Dustin Johnson had 13 feet to win the U.S. Open, then 4 feet to force a playoff, and then nothing. DJ three-putted the 72nd hole at Chambers Bay, with his short, bumpy, downhill miss handing the trophy to Jordan Spieth. Johnson then no-showed the trophy ceremony, later saying he didn’t know he was expected to be there. A month later, he held the 36-hole lead at the British Open, only to shoot 75-75 over the weekend.
Tiger Woods endured the worst year of his professional career in 2015. He had the yips. His glutes deactivated. He failed to break 80 three times, including a career-worst round of 85 at the Memorial. He missed the cut at the U.S. Open, British Open and PGA Championship. And, to top it all off, Woods opted for a second microdisectomy surgery shortly after showing signs of life at the Wyndham. Oh, and then he had a follow-up procedure. At least he’ll be a vice captain at Hazeltine.
After winning three times worldwide to start his year, Rory McIlroy’s 2015 took an unexpected break when the former world No. 1 ruptured a ligament in his ankle while playing soccer with his friends. As McIlroy sat on the sidelines and then attempted to find his game, Jordan Spieth and Jason Day dueled for Player of the Year honors and the world’s No. 1 ranking. As for his soccer habits, McIlroy said after winning at the DP World Tour Championship that he’ll be playing goalie from now.
A near-death experience is no laughing matter, unless you’re John Daly, and you immediately start smoking again and laughing about it. The 49-year-old, two-time major champion suffered a collapsed lung in late August and “was probably gone for at least, I don’t know how long” before being resuscitated. “They thought I had a heart attack,” he said. “But I only smoke two packs of cigarettes a day, not three, so I’ll be alright.” Two days later, he was singing a rendition of “Knockin on Heaven’s Door” at a charity event. Long live, JD.
In his new book, ‘Out of the Rough,’ Steve Williams offers valuable insight into his former boss, Tiger Woods, but Williams’ wayward word choice garnered most of the attention. In an excerpt, Williams wrote that he “felt uneasy about bending down to pick up [Woods’] discarded club – it was like I was his slave.” Williams later said that it “never crossed his mind” to reconsider his use of the word slave, trying to describe its different context in New Zealand’s culture. He added that it was just “one word” in “a whole book.” That’s true – and it’s the one that got the most attention.
