Tiger Gets an Earful

[Leaguegolf]

Augusta National Chairman Billy Payne verbally slapped Tiger today in a way that if I were Tiger I just might slap back.......

Augusta National Golf Club chairman Billy Payne: Tiger Woods disappointed everyone - ESPN

Sorry for the commercial.

[TTUfirebird2008]

From one sexist club to a sexist honorary member of said club. How appropriately ironic (and hypocritical).

[Wazmankg]

A pompous windbag exhibiting his pompous windbaggery. I'd expect nothing less from the stuffed green jackets who run that place.

[essurfer]

This is ridiculous. He has not more right to b slap Tiger than I do. Can Tiger now come back and give him an earful for his clubs legacy of sexist and racist attitudes? Come on, like all of those heads of industry don't have a few Denny's waitresses in their closets. Please. If I was Tiger, I would withdraw today.

[Bigvivec]

No you wouldn't...not if you were Tiger...

[Bigvivec]

I wouldn't expect anything less from those geezers...now Allenby has some explaining to do...what a $%^#$%#....

[JPsuff]

Billy Payne/Augusta represents the most racist and sexist organization in all of golf which has a history of exclusion and hatefulness that has no rival. It's laughable that anyone associated with such an entity would have the stones to criticize anyone - especially on the subject of character.

What Billy Payne says along with $2.25 can get me a subway ticket.

I'll give him credit for getting through the whole thing with a straight face, though. That had to be tough.



-JP

[Bigvivec]

Ya know...while this might be annoying on some level for Tiger, it's just another opportunity to spin the repentance angle...his team would probably like to line up those who would publicly slap his wrist and play up Tiger woeful "you're right/I'm sorry/can you ever forgive me?" expression till the last drop...

[JimSomebody]

Maybe they thought they had to say something, and, given that, they couldn't say something mild (which might come off as a wink-wink, nudge-nudge wrist slap), so they went for something strong. They didn't need to say anything at all, IMO. Very odd.

[DonnaKay]

TIGER disappointed everyone????? Tiger who cheated on his wife. That's it. Augusta National, the most exclusionary, self-righteous bunch of millionaires has the gall.....

Jeeesh!!!!

[Leaguegolf]

Apparently Tiger got an eyeful too. Radio reports are that a small plane was circling the course pulling a banner that reads: "Tiger, did you mean Bootyism?"

Sorry, but I had to laugh at that one.

[straightshooter]

Originally Posted by Leaguegolf

Apparently Tiger got an eyeful too. Radio reports are that a small plane was circling the course pulling a banner that reads: "Tiger, did you mean Bootyism?"

Sorry, but I had to laugh at that one.

Something tells me there will be anti-aircraft artillery installed in the Crow's Nest before the end of this summer!

[Wazmankg]

Originally Posted by straightshooter

Something tells me there will be anti-aircraft artillery installed in the Crow's Nest before the end of this summer!

Yeah, you would think Augusta would be a no-fly zone like over the White House... and I thought those guys had clout.

[DonnaKay]

Originally Posted by Leaguegolf

Apparently Tiger got an eyeful too. Radio reports are that a small plane was circling the course pulling a banner that reads: "Tiger, did you mean Bootyism?"

Sorry, but I had to laugh at that one.

Funny, but someone has enough money and time to do something more constructive.

[JPsuff]

Originally Posted by Leaguegolf

Apparently Tiger got an eyeful too. Radio reports are that a small plane was circling the course pulling a banner that reads: "Tiger, did you mean Bootyism?"

Sorry, but I had to laugh at that one.

Simple things for simple minds, I guess.


-JP

[JPsuff]

Originally Posted by DonnaKay

TIGER disappointed everyone????? Tiger who cheated on his wife. That's it.

That's it?!

You mean he's not responsible for the recession, the rise in teenage heroin use, falling test scores in high school students, atheism, global warming and the fall of western civilization??



(Jeez, I gotta stop getting my news online...)


-JP

[Leaguegolf]

Originally Posted by JPsuff

Simple things for simple minds, I guess.

Come on, think about it for a minute. Put yourself in Tiger's shoes as he looks up and sees this banner....and you know he did. That's what made me laugh.

It's called a sense of humor JP. You should try to find one.

[petermo]

Originally Posted by JPsuff

Billy Payne/Augusta represents the most racist and sexist organization in all of golf which has a history of exclusion and hatefulness that has no rival.

-JP

I agree totally that he should have kept his mouth shut - it's sheer bad manners to criticise anyone who is a "guest" at what is after all still an invitation tournament.

I also agree that their history of excluding individuals on the grounds of race was disgusting - however, that has changed as has the political landscape in the South. As far as women playing in the Masters is concerned, they have as much chance as Tiger playing in the Dinah Shore - it's a mens tournament.

What I don't understand though is why some people think that a private club, owned and operated by a group of very wealthy like minded individuals of similar backgrounds, should be inclusive. Why is it necessary for them to explain their stance on membership to anyone? That's their call and while you may not like it, it's their business.

FWIW Pine Valley and Cypress Point as just as exclusive but they're smart enough not to host tournaments so don't expose themselves to criticism.

The answer for all those who feel excluded is to combine and form their own clubs - the USA is after all the land of the free and the home of the brave.

[JPsuff]

Originally Posted by Leaguegolf

Come on, think about it for a minute. Put yourself in Tiger's shoes as he looks up and sees this banner....and you know he did. That's what made me laugh.

It's called a sense of humor JP. You should try to find one.

I have one around here somewhere...(must be in my other pants...)


-JP

[JustPlainWill]

Originally Posted by Wazmankg

Yeah, you would think Augusta would be a no-fly zone like over the White House... and I thought those guys had clout.

Don't laugh. There were SERIOUS reports on Atlanta TV late last night that the FAA was waiting for the pilot of the plane when he landed. Don't know if the plane was based in Augusta or not, but I suspect that it was based out of Atlanta. We have a company here that flies that same type of sign over Braves games and other large outdoor events. It will interesting to see if the same plane is flying signs over Round 2.

[JPsuff]

Originally Posted by petermo

What I don't understand though is why some people think that a private club, owned and operated by a group of very wealthy like minded individuals of similar backgrounds, should be inclusive. Why is it necessary for them to explain their stance on membership to anyone? That's their call and while you may not like it, it's their business.

You know, on face value I agree with you. But the Masters, is hardly a private event and by inviting the world in to watch it (while paying for the privilege and to have them buy the products associeted with this event), they're making themselves a de facto "public" entity, even if it's just for a week.

That's an awfully fine line to walk and is asking a lot of the public to embrace the tournament and accept the club's policies at the same time. If the public - with all of its diversity - is good enough to be marketed to, then it ought to be good enough to be included as well.

Originally Posted by petermo

The answer for all those who feel excluded is to combine and form their own clubs - the USA is after all the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Again, at face value, this seems to make sense. But in reality, all this would do is further divide people and further increase the "cliques" and elitist groups which will further shut out the average Joe's of the world.

Isn't there already enough of that in this world?

Do we really need more of it?


-JP

[Leaguegolf]

All you Martha Burke wannabees out there can take a number, grab your soapbox, and hold a rally down the street. Augusta National is a private club that becomes not so private one week a year. If you feel excluded or that any of your rights are being violated then I suggest you start your own private club........just like the other thousands of private clubs and organizations in this country.

I don't necessarily agree with the way of life at Augusta National Golf Club but I do agree with their right to do what they do.

[JPsuff]

Originally Posted by Leaguegolf

All you Martha Burke wannabees out there can take a number, grab your soapbox, and hold a rally down the street. Augusta National is a private club that becomes not so private one week a year. If you feel excluded or that any of your rights are being violated then I suggest you start your own private club........just like the other thousands of private clubs and organizations in this country.

I don't necessarily agree with the way of life at Augusta National Golf Club but I do agree with their right to do what they do.

Hey they can dance naked around a bonfire for all I care. I just never really understood the whole "private" thing.

I mean, muni's will never have the budgets to keep a course as immaculate as Augusta, but from a social standpoint, they seem a **** lot more friendly than all of those folks who feel compelled to shut out the rest of the world.


-JP

[Leaguegolf]

Originally Posted by JPsuff

Hey they can dance naked around a bonfire for all I care. I just never really understood the whole "private" thing.

I mean, muni's will never have the budgets to keep a course as immaculate as Augusta, but from a social standpoint, they seem a **** lot more friendly than all of those folks who feel compelled to shut out the rest of the world.

"Seem" being the key word there. Simply because a club is private doesn't mean it isn't friendly. It's appropriate that you mention "social standpoint." Augusta National and most all the other private clubs in America are formed for social reasons. We're just not all in the same social circles.

[JPsuff]

Originally Posted by Leaguegolf

"Seem" being the key word there. Simply because a club is private doesn't mean it isn't friendly. It's appropriate that you mention "social standpoint." Augusta National and most all the other private clubs in America are formed for social reasons. We're just not all in the same social circles.

Yeah but even if I was part of that "circle", I still don't go for the whole private club/secret handshake thing. It's like gated communities; what are people hiding from? You live your everyday life mingling with the rest of the world, so why the need to lock yourself behind a gate at the end of the day?

What can I say? I enjoy interacting with people and I wouldn't be comfortable in a "private" community or club or anything like that.

That's just my personal opinion.


-JP

[Leaguegolf]

Originally Posted by JPsuff

Yeah but even if I was part of that "circle", I still don't go for the whole private club/secret handshake thing. It's like gated communities; what are people hiding from? You live your everyday life mingling with the rest of the world, so why the need to lock yourself behind a gate at the end of the day?

What can I say? I enjoy interacting with people and I wouldn't be comfortable in a "private" community or club or anything like that.

That's just my personal opinion.

I respect that but don't you live your life mingling everyday only to come home to the privacy of your living room? I don't live in a gated community but I do see the benefits of living in one. The same as I see the benefits of a private club which affords members the option of "mingling" with who they choose.

[JPsuff]

Originally Posted by Leaguegolf

I respect that but don't you live your life mingling everyday only to come home to the privacy of your living room? I don't live in a gated community but I do see the benefits of living in one. The same as I see the benefits of a private club which affords members the option of "mingling" with who they choose.

Yes and I understand what you're saying, but there's a fine line between privacy and exclusion.

Augusta is more than just a private golf club. For example, it is a who's who? of the Fortune 500 world and business is conducted there in that regard and I understand why women and minorities in that business strata - who are denied access to Augusta - feel that they're being denied access to their livelihood in many ways; that they are only allowed to deal with business issues after they have been "decided" by a handful of "members only".

It's an extremely fine line to be sure, but there is a definite "us and them" mentality that exists in many such private organizations and depending on the circumstances that privacy can be viewed as innocent or insidious.


-JP

[Leaguegolf]

There are advantages and disadvantages galore in the Fortune 500 world. Becoming a member at Augusta National can be an advantage to some and a disadvantage to others.

My point is that I don't care how any private club conducts their business. In Augusta's case, all I care about is the Master's and I don't see the tournament excluding anyone that properly qualifies.

Can't every private club be described as "Us" (the members) and "Them" (non-members)?

[Diane]

Originally Posted by JPsuff

It's an extremely fine line to be sure, but there is a definite "us and them" mentality that exists in many such private organizations and depending on the circumstances that privacy can be viewed as innocent or insidious.


-JP

LOL - says the man who plays at Bethpage, which isn't private. Tell us about Robert Moses and his "us" and "them" mentality JP.

[petermo]

Originally Posted by JPsuff

Augusta is more than just a private golf club. For example, it is a who's who? of the Fortune 500 world and business is conducted there in that regard and I understand why women and minorities in that business strata - who are denied access to Augusta - feel that they're being denied access to their livelihood in many ways; that they are only allowed to deal with business issues after they have been "decided" by a handful of "members only".

-JP

There may be a number of Fortune 500 members of Augusta (probably more at Pine Valley). The chances of them dealing with business issues at the golf club are remote and would probably result in their membership being revoked. Women and minorities in the Fortune 500 league, have (and can afford to join) many other clubs with different constitutions - in any event membership of Augusta National is by invitation only - any request for membership immediately leads to a lifetime ban. Ask Johan Rupert!

There is only a handful - that's why it's exclusive

[JustPlainWill]

Originally Posted by Wazmankg

Yeah, you would think Augusta would be a no-fly zone like over the White House... and I thought those guys had clout.

Masters' Bermuda Triangle: Air banners disappear | Jeff Schultz

See above link, Waz. Jeez, maybe Billy Payne really IS God and it not just that he thinks he is. It's interesting to note that on yesterday afternoon, the solid line of thunderstorms that absolutely DRENCHED Atlanta, 150 miles to the west, broke up 'jes South' of Augusta National during while Tiger, Pouter et al were on the back nine. The storms reassembled last night AFTER the round was completed. Makes you wonder

[JPsuff]

Originally Posted by Diane

LOL - says the man who plays at Bethpage, which isn't private. Tell us about Robert Moses and his "us" and "them" mentality JP.

I don't know anything about Robert Moses' politics, insider deals or what have you.

What I DO know is that whatever he presided over turned out to be some of the best municipal facilities ever designed and built.

And how many top-shelf U.S. Open venues can you name that can be played by the general public for fifty bucks?


-JP

[JPsuff]

Originally Posted by petermo

There may be a number of Fortune 500 members of Augusta (probably more at Pine Valley). The chances of them dealing with business issues at the golf club are remote and would probably result in their membership being revoked. Women and minorities in the Fortune 500 league, have (and can afford to join) many other clubs with different constitutions - in any event membership of Augusta National is by invitation only - any request for membership immediately leads to a lifetime ban. Ask Johan Rupert!

There is only a handful - that's why it's exclusive

Well, there's what the bylaws say and then there's what's done, but I get what you're saying.


-JP

[JPsuff]

Originally Posted by Leaguegolf

My point is that I don't care how any private club conducts their business. In Augusta's case, all I care about is the Master's and I don't see the tournament excluding anyone that properly qualifies.

You mean, "today", right?

Because that certainly wasn't true in the past and it's in that sense - that history - which make Payne's admonishments to Tiger all the more laughable.


-JP

[essurfer]

I guess we can use that old this is a private club and we can do as we want argument. Certainly they can but if they are so, so dissapointed at Mr Woods, why did they invite him to play? Maybe it has something to do with all the very public money they are making?

[Leaguegolf]

Originally Posted by essurfer

I guess we can use that old this is a private club and we can do as we want argument. Certainly they can but if they are so, so dissapointed at Mr Woods, why did they invite him to play? Maybe it has something to do with all the very public money they are making?

While the Masters does offer invitations to some players, Tiger wasn't invited per se. He qualified in a number of different categories and therefore didn't need an invitation. I agree that Payne's comments were crass but the Good Ol' Boys at Augusta have shown numerous times that it isn't about the money with them.

[Wazmankg]

Originally Posted by JustPlainWill

Masters' Bermuda Triangle: Air banners disappear | Jeff Schultz

See above link, Waz. Jeez, maybe Billy Payne really IS God and it not just that he thinks he is. ...

Unbelievable.

[Leaguegolf]

Originally Posted by Wazmankg

Unbelievable.

Correct me if I'm wrong here but I didn't see anything in that article that said Augusta National had anything to do with stopping the banner flights. They very well MAY have but that's not what the article said.

[TTUfirebird2008]

Originally Posted by Leaguegolf

Correct me if I'm wrong here but I didn't see anything in that article that said Augusta National had anything to do with stopping the banner flights. They very well MAY have but that's not what the article said.

They aren't the only ones with friends in high places. Woods himself has big time connections, obviously. But it would be funny if the Green Coats conveniently have a new member joining from the FAA in the near future.

[Wazmankg]

Originally Posted by Leaguegolf

Correct me if I'm wrong here but I didn't see anything in that article that said Augusta National had anything to do with stopping the banner flights. They very well MAY have but that's not what the article said.

You're right League. The FAA spokesman didn't say that they'd been pressured by anyone to do whatever they could to ground the plane using an pretense. If there had been such pressure, I'm sure they would have said so. They probably ground planes every day for worn out tags on seat belts.

Unbelievable and an outrage I'll add, whomever was behind it.