"What was up with Steve Williams coming off the 13th tee yesterday?"
I haven't seen anything in the first round of stories about some of the possible gamesmanship and perhaps tension that was part of the Tiger Woods-Y.E. Yang. Several readers have posted or emailed about this incident on the 13th, including reader Cam:
What was up with Steve Williams coming off the 13th tee yesterday? He was wagging his finger and really speaking his mind to somebody. I couldn't tell if he was trying to pump up Tiger after a good tee shot on the par 3 or was getting on Yang's for some percieved lapse in etiquette.
Anyone know who Stevie was upset with? After all, it's so out of character for him.
There were other awkward moments.
- On 15 green, Tiger stood in an odd spot between Yang's line and the greenside bunker, prompting CBS's Ian Baker Finch to note the obvious gamesmanship on Tiger's part.
- After putting out for par, Yang rudely tossed his ball into the grandstand from the green, causing a stir before Tiger's birdie putt. Intentional shot back at Tiger? Me thinks so.
- On 16 green Yang opted to putt out even though his ball was in Tiger's line, and Tiger was visibly not pleased after walking to the ball and then turning back to his waiting spot.
- After putting out on 18, several of Stevie's beloved bib stripping fans have emailed to note that he did not shake Yang's hand. Now, the moment was a bit wild and Yang was celebrating. Williams may have congratulated him back by the scorers tent. Hard to really say it was an intentional slight.
Hopefully some of the weeklies will touch on what looked like a bit of tension out there.
Geoff
Another debatable moment of gamesmanship is nominated by Mark Reason. But hey, the photographers loved it.
There were even murmurs, with Yang practically assured of victory on the 18th green, that Woods should have backed away and cleared the stage for his opponent, rather than standing at close quarters as if expecting him to three-putt.
Monday, August 17, 2009 at 11:46 AM
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Reader Comments (23)
It is fun to speculate whether Tiger was rattled by having someone not succumb to some of his gamesmanship.
That's bad form.
It is not quite as asinine as some of the stuff a certain Spaniard used to pull but it is still NOT ok.
On the very rare occasions someone tries to pull this sort of stuff where I play we let them know immediately and they are not invited back.
Be civilized and let the shots do the talking. Let's leave the rude behavior to other sports.
Q. What is your sense from him out there, Tiger?
AJ MONTECINOS: Class act. First time being in a group with him. Classy guy. "Good shot, Yang, way to go."
Q. When he made that putt on 18, it looked like Tiger was going to give him a nod or a little smile, did you see that?
AJ MONTECINOS: I didn't. I didn't see that. But I'm sure he did. He shook his hand and again and said "Great stuff." That's what it's all about.
Anyone remember the days of the legends (Jack, Player, Arnie, Watson) who exuded such class? Tiger's brought a bad attitude to a gentlemen's/women's sport. Hopefully, he'll decide to show a little more respect to his competitors and to the game.
Was the Williams finger wagging done in the direction of Anthony Kim, who apparently putted out on a nearby green as Tiger was getting ready to play? It was mentioned on the telecast -- I think I was grabbing a cold beverage at that moment...
We do play with a certain amount of good natured ribbing. But it is good natured, not cleverly designed to mess up another player.
I thought Tiger was gaming, too. Most of the time, it's subtle. But when he's in a corner, it's plain for all to see.
Mr. Yang is a tough hunter. I think those two are destined to meet again.
Lastly, Mr Yang's looper just said all the correct things a looper's supposed to say in public. That goes double for a devout Christian.
this is easily the best golf blog/info resource around, and I for one appreciate it greatly.
gb
Glad we have mind readers like you to clarify things
Thanks again for a stellar job giving us everything and more--your great work is most appreciated...you always go the extra mile on your site!! Kudos!!
if that turns out not to be the case, will you promise that this is the last we hear from you? ....please?
I'll even put my real name on this.