Was George O'Grady's Step Down Actually An Ouster?

In his weekly Telegraph golf notes column, James Corrigan slaps the European Tour board chair for its pathetic send-off quote upon George O'Grady's decision to step down as Chief Executive.

Corrigan implies the stepping down was more like a shoving off.

The number of European Tour chairmen who should be embarrassed with his official response on the resignation of long-time chief executive, George O’Grady last week. David Williams’s statement basically consisted of thanking the Ulsterman and saying “George has played a key part in building global relationships and developing the Tour”. It was left to Tim Finchem, the PGA Tour commissioner, to afford a fitting send-off, declaring: “George’s true measure as a leader is reflected in the fact that he leaves The European Tour in a vastly better position than when he began his tenure.” Yes, he does. And even those who ousted him should be humble enough to recognise it.

Considering that O'Grady leaves the tour in about as healthy a condition as possible considering the state of European economy, with maybe only his Sergio Garcia slip up as a low point (I bet you forgot!), Corrigan appears spot on in highlighting the PGA Tour's more respectful send-off.

Williams began his board tenure just this January.