The "cease-fire" in the Ryder Cup debate over pay-for-
play lasted less than 24 hours as a "rift" developed within
the Ryder Cup team itself and "shattered the air of
tranquility" that had formed between PGA Tour players and
the PGA of America, according to Bob Duffy of the BOSTON
GLOBE. U.S. team captain Ben Crenshaw spoke out on the
issue of pay-for-play at a "routine" press conference
yesterday "by unleashing an unsolicited thunderbolt"
directed at several unidentified players who have been at
the forefront of the issue. Crenshaw later revealed that
his "displeasure is directed specifically" at Mark O'Meara,
Tiger Woods and David Duval, who are all guaranteed spots on
the U.S. team. Crenshaw feels that their "transgression" is
"raising and perpetuating complaints that the PGA Tour ...
lacks input into how the [Ryder Cup] profits are
appropriated by the PGA of America." Crenshaw: "It's an
affront to all those who came before them. The timing is
not good." Crenshaw added that he "does not oppose the
players' stance, only the timing and vigor of it" (BOSTON
GLOBE, 8/12). More Crenshaw, referring to Tuesday's meeting
between the PGA Tour, the PGA of America and 16 players:
"I'm personally disappointed in a couple of people in that
meeting. Whether some players like it or not, there are
some people who came before them that mean a hell of a lot
to this game. And it burns the hell out of me to listen to
some of their viewpoints" (N.Y. TIMES, 8/12). Crenshaw, on
Duval's stance on the matter and calling the Ryder Cup an
"exhibition": "How can he say anything? He's never played
in a Ryder Cup" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 8/12). In Dallas, Brad
Townsend writes that Crenshaw's description of the meeting
"seems to contradict" the one given by PGA of America CEO
Jim Awtrey and PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem, who
"insisted" that none of the players present requested Ryder
Cup pay (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 8/12). In Boston, Karen
Guregian writes that Crenshaw is "the only one coming off
with any dignity here" (BOSTON HERALD, 8/12). In Chicago,
Jay Mariotti: "Thankfully, the gentlest of golfing souls has
emerged as the hero of a petty, pathetic week in sports. ...
Duck, America. This is turning ugly" (SUN-TIMES, 8/12).
ALL ABOUT THE BENJAMINS? In Detroit, Drew Sharp writes
that the Ryder Cup issue is about "control" and "ego" for
some players. Sharp: "It seems rather disingenuous that a
week after Woods and Duval further widened their wallets
with the made-for-television Sham at Sherwood spectacle, the
pair would dare even remotely balk at the chance to help
restore their nation's golf reputation" (DETROIT FREE PRESS,
8/12). In Cleveland, Bud Shaw criticizes the position of
Woods and Duval and suggests keeping the "current
arrangement" in the Ryder Cup. Shaw: "Without the
nationalism, the Ryder Cup is the Match Play Championship
with a smaller field" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 8/12). But
in N.Y., Dave Anderson writes that Woods and Duval are
"doing the right thing" in lobbying for input on where the
Ryder Cup profits will be donated. Anderson adds that with
the stance, the PGA Tour and the PGA of America "may have
already opened the door to the touring pros forming a union.
... If a touring pros' union ever develops, the P.G.A. of
America will have only itself to blame for not having
anticipated this Ryder Cup squabble" (N.Y. TIMES, 8/12).
Awtrey, on devising a plan to distribute Ryder Cup profits:
"Philosophically, we're in the same place. By the end of
year we'll have a plan together" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 8/12).
DUVAL'S LAST WORD: David Duval, appearing on last
night's "The Last Word" on FSN, said: "I do not think
players should get money to go into their pocket. However,
I do think that it's right and just that we get money to
take back and give to charities in our own communities."
Duval denied that players would boycott the event: "I'm not
real bright, I'm not real quick. But I don't know where
boycott comes into it" (Fox Sports Net, 8/11).
