Spitting Image

For a game such as golf so tied-up by rules and hamstrung with etiquette, spitting is a blight on the game. As the professionals - mostly of the PGA TOUR variety - empty to contents of their mouth with impunity, impressionable youngsters inevitably mimic their heroes in what is at best, inelegant and, at worst, vulgar and distasteful

Tiger Woods was a serial offender but was only criticised for spitting on the 12th green at the 2011 Dubai Desert Classic where the cultural norms differ. Having missed a par putt and marked his ball, the then sporting superstar turned his head and spat copiously on the green.

He was later reprimanded by the European Tour, which issued a statement saying the tournament director, “Has reviewed the incident and feels there has been a breach of the tour code of conduct and consequently Tiger Woods will be fined,” estimated to be in the order of between US$400 and US$16,000.

Woods later sent an apologetic Twitter post, saying, “The Euro Tour is right - it was inconsiderate to spit like that, and I know better. Just wasn’t thinking and want to say I’m sorry.”

Woods was also seen spitting on the tee in a previous round and drew some criticism, but wasn’t officially reprimanded.

Then, after reviewing TV coverage of his final round at the 2012 Northern Trust Open, Keegan Bradley apologised for his habit of spitting before various shots on the course.

Bradley said he wasn’t aware spitting had become such a noticeable part of his lengthy pre-shot routine. “I really had no idea I was doing it," Bradley said. "And I feel bad. It’s something that I’m going to work on.” Bradley was not officially reprimanded.

The R&A and United States Golf Association’s Rules of Golf do not mention spitting specifically, either on the green, or any similar action within the field of play.

The etiquette section states in part, “All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times.”

Likewise, the PGA TOUR has no specific rule regarding spitting.

However, the player handbook does state that players must, “Show respect for the game of golf” while avoiding, “Conduct unbecoming a professional golfer,” in any PGA TOUR activity.

“A PGA TOUR player found guilty of conduct unbecoming a professional may be fined, suspended and/ or permanently barred from tournament play,” the handbook concludes, the Tour talking tough but acting lightly.

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Written by Mike Wilson

Photography by AFP

Click here to see the published article.

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