News

Daly withdraws from Greenbrier, engages Jason Sobel on Twitter

Published

11 years ago

Jul 6, 2013

It’s not clear exactly what knotted John Daly’s American flag-patterned knickers, but he wasn’t happy with Golf Channel Senior Writer Jason Sobel.

It seems Long John wasn’t pleased by the insinuation of Sobel’s headline for the writer’s piece on Daly’s withdrawal from the Greenbrier Classic, his tweets, or both.

Before we get to the headline in question or the Twitter back-and-forth (because that’s how real men air their grievances in 2013), it’s fair to make the following point: It’s not clear what Sobel’s original headline was. Further, having some experience in writing for online outlets, I can say that the “teaser” headline on the front page is under the editor’s control, rather than the writer’s, generally speaking.

So, the click-through headlines on various portions of the Golf Channel website read:

“Daly facing elbow surgery, adds to WD total”

“Daly nears 40 career Tour withdrawals at Greenbrier”

However, the headline of Sobel’s piece (which he certainly could have changed during/after the brouhaha) reads, “Daly WD’s from Greenbrier, headed for surgery.”

All this by way of saying, we don’t know exactly what steamed Daly’s clams, or whether it was solely Sobel’s keystrokes.

The second possibility is that Daly didn’t read the article/see the headline and simply reacted negatively to this tweet from Sobel:

It’s pointless to speculate as to what Daly thought Sobel was insinuating with the tweet/headline. One guess, however, is that he felt Sobel was saying he withdrew too much/unnecessarily.

Of course Sobel, never one to let sleeping dogs lie, responded via Twitter. Daly, being of the same mind, replied too:

What are the “true facts” that Daly is referencing? Apparently the fact that he has a torn tendon in his elbow, which he has seemingly been playing with for some time, as per this tweet.

With this in mind, Daly also might be less-than-thrilled by this passage from Sobel’s column:

With Tiger Woods already sidelined because of a sore left elbow and unable to compete in this week’s Greenbrier Classic, one of the tournament’s other big draws, John Daly, bowed out early in his second round with a similar injury.

Sure, the injury is similar, in that it’s a malady of the elbow. However, a torn tendon requiring surgery is a bit more severe than Tiger’s tennis elbow.

Regardless, it’s been clear for some time that Jason Sobel isn’t a Loudmouth Golf pants-wearing member of the JD fan club. There are numerous examples of this, such as this 2010 piece he penned for ESPN titled, “Retired or not, Daly truly is done” — the tone of which you can surely guess.

Of course, when Daly tweets, “You kick players while they’re down is that what u report? Now, I understand what players meant about u! #scum,” you don’t get the feeling he has a Jason Sobel book sitting on his nightstand. Further, Daly seems to indicate that many pros are of the same mind toward the former ESPN journalist.

Whether you’re on Team Sobel or Team Daly on this one (or in general), it’s pretty clear that Twitter wasn’t the best venue for a discussion of differences and that a reconciliation between the two won’t be showing up in your Twitter feed anytime soon.

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20 Comments

Tyboooo

Jun 30, 2014 at 12:22 pm

I wish they would quit giving him extensions. It’s not fair to the other guys out there.

He misses cuts more than he makes them. And if he does make a cut he is never close to the top of the leader board. Time to start earning your starts.

Reply Report comment
jc

May 28, 2014 at 5:29 pm

there are lots of guys who have won a major or two and you can find them on the minor tours trying to EARN their way back in. I last saw Daly at Riviera in L.A. IT was a warm day and john is wearing a heavy windbreaker and playing like crud. Of course he missed the cut. He should just quit and run a golf course (not the bar) and sell tshirts or something.

Reply Report comment
qabloona

Jul 10, 2013 at 2:43 pm

Don’t know anything about Sobel but if you watch PGA practice sessions at pro tournaments it is obvious that the other players have a genuine fondness for Daly. Watching them on the practice putting green at any tourney and and you see any number of players coming up to him and wishing him well.Wish him well.

Reply Report comment
wtfci

Jul 8, 2013 at 1:29 pm

Honestly, call your mark if you need to react. Like I want to know every spat you have. Spare me.

Reply Report comment
Søren Skadhede

Jul 8, 2013 at 3:33 am

“Talking” via Twitter like that certainly isn’t helping anybody. Now, I’m both on twitter, FB, linkedin etc., so this is not a bashing on modern communication means. But there are some drawbacks to places like twitter and facebook. To me, the clearest analogy – particularly here with JD & JS – is road rage: you sit in your own car with closed windows and doors locked screaming at everybody. Would you seriously do that if you where on a bicycle, or pulling into the same gas station and getting out of the car?

Thankfully, most people won’t, but very often services like twitter provide you with the same “protective bubble” as the cars does. One major difference though: the yelling in the car usually stays in the car – tweets remain and recycle…

Reply Report comment
PGAPankey

Jul 7, 2013 at 10:49 am

Regardless of who’s side you are on the fact is that Daly is taking a spot that could go to another player. These sponsors exemption spots are usually given to bigger name players in an attempt to draw fans. Totally understandable when the tournament organizers are in the business of getting more fans and bigger tv ratings. But whenever I see a story like this is always wonder about the “last guy out” who’s spot was taken by Daly. Playing in a PGATour event is a big deal for some guys, you hope that these sponsore exemptions really appreciate the opportunity. With surgery coming up it seems obvious that this wd is for good reason, but with 30+ in his career you have to wonder if a few wern’t a bit cynical.

Reply Report comment
- Ryan
  
  Jul 7, 2013 at 12:56 pm
  
  Yeah, normally I’d side with Daly and say Sobel is being a jerk, but I mean, 38 career withdraws? Find someone else who has half that and I’d be shocked. We can’t keep doing the same, oh I feel so sorry for John, his 38th withdrawal is just as credible as the first. Sure, Sobel was being kind of a jerk, but there is a point where John Daly has to reconnect with reality and see the consequences of his actions, which frankly should mean sponsors exemptions going to up and coming kids with talent and desire like Jordan Speith or something like that. Giving them to Daly is just a waste and an embarrassment at this point.
  
  Reply Report comment
- c
  
  Jul 7, 2013 at 1:00 pm
  
  I dont see how John is taking someone else’s spot, the guy has won two majors and attracted huge galleries and new fans. You can say the same thing about Tom Watson, why is he playing, what is he trying to prove. I don’t think John wanted to have to WD it just happened
  
  Reply Report comment
Joe Golfer

Jul 7, 2013 at 12:33 am

Seems like the writer of this article on GolfWRX has it right.
Daly seems to be responding to past slights against him by Sobel.
I don’t see anything in the current “tweets” that should set Daly off like that. He totally over-reacted, in this particular instance.
As for Sobel, I’m really not familiar with him, so I can’t give an opinion on his reputation or if he is a “negative writer”, but his brief tweets don’t sound malicious or as Daly asserts, kicking a player while he is down.

Reply Report comment
- Pat M
  
  Jun 16, 2015 at 5:15 pm
  
  Sobel reminds me of Rich Lerner and Chris Berman. Nobodies with a big mouth who never played the game.
  
  Reply Report comment
D T

Jul 6, 2013 at 10:46 pm

I think it’s sad that adult men are settling their differences going back and forth on Twitter, Facebook, etc., instead of talking face to face like men. At least make a phone call. The description of a man is changing for the worst daily.

Reply Report comment
- donald davis
  
  Jul 7, 2013 at 1:03 am
  
  I am not a fan of either jason sobel or john daly. The golf channel has become unwatchable at times. Predictions and cliches and “johnny tour pros” everywhere. Boring. Bring back John Hawkins.
  
  Reply Report comment
- Marty
  
  Jul 7, 2013 at 2:28 pm
  
  definition of a man, lol
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Marty
    
    Jul 7, 2013 at 2:29 pm
    
    Oop sorry, description of a man.
    
    Lol
    
    Reply Report comment
- stephenf
  
  Jul 14, 2013 at 2:53 am
  
  Seriously. I was just thinking what a girl fight this was, but somebody will probably post and tell me that’s sexist. They’re probably right. I have a wife and two daughters at home (the only ones remaining out of five), and I don’t think any of them would fight it out with twitlanguage and phones over something like this.
  
  Reply Report comment
Im nobody:(

Jul 6, 2013 at 9:55 pm

Poor John Daly the circus act is over:) maybe he should just fade off into the sunset:) he is taking up a spot that could be better used for an amateur player!

Reply Report comment
c

Jul 6, 2013 at 8:37 pm

Jason Sobel is a 25 handicap journalist on a good day

Reply Report comment
fairway fitter

Jul 6, 2013 at 6:44 pm

Sobel’s writing is sophomoric at best. Simply put; too many golf writers out there for GC to employ this guy.

Reply Report comment
- Steve
  
  Jul 7, 2013 at 8:07 am
  
  Absolutely agree — Maybe he can get a job on ‘Morning Drive’ with the other yellow journalists.
  
  Reply Report comment
Joey5Picks

Jul 6, 2013 at 12:59 pm

John Daly long ago became a circus act. A non-competitive time bomb tournaments would give a sponsor’s exemption to to draw fans. His self-destructive personality traits and lifestyle caught up with him. Personally, I have no interest in watching him play.

While Sobel’s articles may have been critical of Daly, are they wrong? Daly has WDed 30-whatever times. It’s a fact. No malice in reporting that as it’s part of a pattern.

Reply Report comment

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Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2024 3M Open

Published

50 mins ago

Jul 23, 2024

GolfWRX Staff

GolfWRX is on site this week at TPC Twin Cities for the 2024 3M Open for the penultimate event of the PGA Tour’s regular season.

The photos are flying in from Blaine, Minnesota. We’ve already assembled general galleries and a fresh Tony Finau WITB.

Check back throughout the week for more photos!

General Albums

2024 3M Open – Monday #1
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See what GolfWRXers are saying in the forums.

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Courses

The BEST hidden gem links courses in the UK & Ireland

Published

3 hours ago

Jul 23, 2024

Josh Post, Golfbreaks

Another Open Championship has come and gone and links golf was once again in the spotlight at Royal Troon! For those who have never played a links course (like myself), it sparks a desire to fly across the pond to experience it for ourselves. While a golf trip to the UK or Ireland is a bucket-list item, most people look to play the big-name courses (Old Course, Carnoustie, Lahinch, Royal Portrush,etc.), but don’t realize they can get a similar experience by traveling to some of the lesser known destinations where you will find some of the purest links courses in the world. With this in mind, here are our picks for the best hidden gem links courses you should play when you book a UK or Ireland trip:

IRELAND

Ballyliffin

We start our list off with a 36-hole club in the Northwest of Ireland, a remote area of the Emerald Isle that is known for its rugged terrain and spectacular scenery. Bordering the Wild Atlantic Way, Ballyliffin is relatively newer (est. 1947) but offers golfers one of the purest links golf experiences anywhere in the country. While not easy to get to, the two courses onsite (Old and Glashedy) are well worth the travel with large dunes shaping the fairways that overlook the North Atlantic Ocean and a myriad of pot bunkers everywhere you look. Even Rory McIlroy believes that “Ballyliffin’s two courses are a must play on any golf trip to Ireland.” and we tend to agree.

How to incorporate Ballyliffin in a golf trip:

Stay:Ballyliffin Lodge, Hotel & Spa

Play: Old Links & Glashedy Links at Ballyliffin, and Old Tom Morris Links or Sandy Hills Course at Rosapenna

Enniscrone

The next course on the list is in the Sligo area of the Northwest where we find Enniscrone, roughly 3 hours (by car) south of Ballyliffin. Like many links courses, Enniscrone was originally a 9-hole course when it was opened in 1918 before an additional 9 holes were added 12 years later. In 1970, Eddie Hackett was tasked with redesigning the course to help the two 9-hole courses flow effortlessly into one 18 hole layout. A big feature that can be seen throughout your round here are the towering dunes that shape the course and protect some holes from the ocean winds. Built right out of the landscape of the dunes bordering the sea, the course has a lot of undulation in the fairways and greens with some elevated tee boxes providing unreal views of the natural land.

How to incorporate Enniscrone in a golf trip:

Stay: The Glasshouse Hotel, Sligo

Play: Enniscrone, County Sligo, and Donegal

Additional Courses: Strandhill, Carne, and Narin & Portnoo

St. Patrick’s Links

Another fantastic gem on the Northwest coast of Ireland is the NEW (2020) St. Patricks Links at Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Links. The land was purchased back in 2012 which was already a 36-hole facility and Tom Doak was brought in to reimagine the property to the layout it currently is today. Large sand dunes shape the front 9 holes before heading back through some more subtle dunes back towards the clubhouse. The course offers elevation changes with some tee boxes sitting atop the dunes offering spectacular views of Sheephaven Bay and beyond. With two other courses and a fantastic hotel on property, this destination is all you could ever ask for.

How to incorporate St. Patricks in a golf trip:

Stay: Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Links

Play: St. Patrick’s Links, Sandy Hills Course , and Old Tom Morris Links (all at Rosapenna)

Island Club

For our last hidden gem in Ireland, we head 30 minutes north of the country’s capital, Dublin, to The Island Club. Built along rugged terrain and the highest sand dunes on the east coast of Ireland, the Island Club is situated on a small peninsula surrounded by water on three sides providing a difficult challenge, especially with the winds. Founded in 1890, the Island Club continues to be ranked in the Top 10 courses in Ireland and has held some Amateur Championships and Open Championship Regional Qualifiers.

How to incorporate The Island Club in a golf trip:

Stay: The Grand Hotel, Malahide

Play: Island Club, Portmarnock Old, County Louth

Additional Courses: Royal Dublin

SCOTLAND

Dunbar

Located along “Scotland’s Golf Coast” of East Lothian is where we find the classic links of Dunbar. Opened in 1856 with only 15 holes, this is one of the many courses in Scotland that Old Tom Morris had a hand in crafting. Laid out along rocky and rocky terrain, the course is only 6500 yards long and while not long by modern standards, the course requires shot making and proper club selection to play well. The course has held many national and international tournaments including a few rounds of The Open Final Qualifying.

How to incorporate Dunbar in a golf trip:

Stay: No. 12 Hotel & Bistro

Play: Dunbar, Gullane (No.1), North Berwick

Additional Courses: Craigielaw, Kilspindie, Gullane (No.2, No. 3)

Cruden Bay

The next course on our list brings us to the Scottish Highlands, one of the lesser traveled destinations in Scotland, but still home to some amazing links courses including Cruden Bay! Located 25 miles north of Aberdeen on the east coast of the Highlands, Cruden Bay was opened in 1899, although history would indicate golf has been played at the property since 1791. Another Old Tom Morris design, the course is consistently ranked in the Top 25 of courses in Scotland and it is easy to see why. At only 6600 yards, it is relatively short, but the natural lay of the land provides elevation changes, punchbowl greens, and some large, 3-story high dunes that offer spectacular views for a classic links experience.

How to incorporate Cruden Bay in a golf trip:

Stay: Leonardo Hotel Aberdeen

Play: Cruden Bay, Trump International Links, Royal Aberdeen

Additional Courses: Murcar

Brora

We head back to the Highlands just north of Dornoch to where we find Brora Golf Club. Similar to a lot of links courses, Brora opened as only 9 holes in 1891, but that only lasted for 9 years before an additional 9 was added in 1900 before a James Braid redesign in 1924. At just over 6200 yards, this is one of those courses that will make you appreciate links golf in Scotland with cattle and sheep roaming freely around the property. The course is a typical links routing with the front 9 going out and the back 9 coming back to the clubhouse. The defense of the course is the wind (naturally), but the greens are relatively small with pot bunkers standing guard to catch errant approach shots.

How to incorporate Brora in a golf trip:

Stay: Royal Golf Hotel, Dornoch

Play: Brora, Royal Dornoch – Struie & Championship

Additional Courses: Golspie, Tain

Nairn

Staying in the Scottish Highlands, the last Scotland links gem on the list is just outside of Inverness at The Nairn Golf Club. The narrow fairways are fast and firm leading to decent sized, tricky greens that roll true, but are guarded by devious pot bunkers. The first seven holes play right along the water and with not a ton of elevation changes, spectacular views across the Moray Firth can be seen throughout the course. With fantastic course conditions throughout the season, this fantastic links is an absolute must-play when visiting the Highlands.

How to incorporate Nairn in a golf trip:

Stay: Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness

Play: Nairn, Castle Stuart (Cabot Highlands), Fortrose & Rosemarkie

Additional Courses: Nairn Dunbar, Moray

Golfbreaks by PGA TOUR highly recommends you start planning your trip across the pond AT LEAST 12-18 months in advance in order to secure tee times and hotel rooms over the dates you desire. With more and more people taking up the game of golf, these bucket list trips have already become extremely popular and will continue to gain interest so make sure to start planning early!

Editor’s note: This article is presented in partnership with Golfbreaks. When you make a purchase through links in this article, GolfWRX may earn an affiliate commission.

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News

Forum Giveaway: TaylorMade P7CB “Proto” irons

Published

21 hours ago

Jul 22, 2024

GolfWRX Staff

GolfWRX and TaylorMade Golf have teamed up for one of the most exciting giveaways in recent memory. We are giving away one (1) set (3-PW) of the P7CB “Proto” irons, built to order for one lucky forum member! These yet-to-be-released irons have recently made it into the bag for both Tommy Fleetwood and Collin Morikawa.