Headlines or not — good for a giggle

By Neville Idour

Virtually every day I have headline golf stories come across my laptop and desk.

I look at them and decide which to read, scan quickly or ignore. Overall I probably read or scan 20 percent at most.

Many are simply not headline stories or even stories for that matter. Of course many stories now are prompted by the PGA Tour’s war on the LIV Tour. Here is a selection of recent headlines — newsworthy or otherwise — and several good for a giggle.

“Gary Player-Flag in Worst Rule ever Invented” – This has to be one of the worst non stories. Player should know better. It is a choice not a rule …and a welcome one at that for so many reasons. Player’s opinion is irrelevant. Just like any opinion, that is all it is.

“Justin Thomas says LIV Golfers to Blame for World Ranking Points Issue”. One of the most noisy about LIV players it has been noticeable how quiet he has been recently since sitting down one on one with Greg Norman and discussing the whole LIV setup.

“Davis Love III Says GET RID OF THEM”- (World Rankings). Probably not silly since they no longer include all pros.

“Chubby Chandler Unsurprised ‘Past It’ Players Joined LIV”. What about the 13 players who qualify for the US Masters despite no ranking points for many months. How many others may have qualified had they been able to earn points?

“It’s Non Stop – Tiger Woods continually Teaching Son Charlie About Mind Games.” Spare me. He is a child.

“Tiger Woods Hosts PGA Tour Meeting at Hero World Challenge”. Is he now the de facto chief executive while Jay Monahan continues his war on LIV.

“Cameron Smith Defends Norman After Woods and McIlroy Call for him to Go.” Hardly surprising given Norman’s ongoing encouragement and support for young Aussie golfers.

“Adam Scott – LIV and PGA should Get on with what They are Both doing.” The voice of reason says LIV is not evil and has a place.

“Tiger Woods Reveals His Dream 3 Ball.”- Sorry can’t tell because I didn’t read it.

“Unbelievably Flattering- McIlroy on Tiger telling son Charlie to copy his (McIlroy’s) swing. The love affair is in full bloom.

“Tiger Woods Making a Golf Ball Switch For Upcoming Events.” Spare me. Is he receiving $$$$$$$ for that Earth shattering news?

“McIlroy Reveals ‘Brainwash’ Comment Started Norman Rift.” Of course McIlroy said nothing before that.

“Why are Golfers Wearing Shorts on the DP World Tour this week? (Dunhill links in South Africa.) Maybe they got the idea from LIV or was it because it was 41 degrees and steamy. Someone made a lengthy story out of that.

“Disgusting- Ian Poulter Rips into Joke BBC Sports Personality Awards” — this after Matthew Fitzpatrick’s omission. Many others backed that opinion. Also nice to see a LIV golfer supporting a fellow pro who has been outspoken in his disdain for LIV players being allowed to play in DP World Tour events.

“9/11 Families Set for Masters Protest after LIV Decision.” Oh dear.

“Why the Masters Was Right to Allow LIV Golfers to play.” I can hear the sigh of relief from many fans who just want to see the best golfers on the planet.

“Dustin Johnson Among LIV golfers left out of TAYLORMADE Christmas Advert.” What next? I’m sure Dustin will be heartbroken.

“I Needed Something New -- Martin Kaymer on LIV move.” He says it is fun, more inspiring and Motivating Again. “LIV popped up and I thought that’s me.”

“Anirban Lahiri says LIV Golfers feel Ostracised.” Hardly surprising.

“Tiger Woods Congratulates Ex Wife Elen on birth of New Baby.”

“I’ve Hit 15 Million Golf Balls Over my Career.” – Gary Player. Who else could come up with that?

We will end on that note of a little light relief.