The Mouth That Rory-d

Rory Sabbatini let his clubs do the talking this time, by winning the PGA's Colonial tournament in Fort Worth, Texas on Sunday, for his fourth career win on tour. For his efforts he got approximately $1 million US, a large trophy, and a hideous tartan jacket.

Sabbatini had caused a stir a couple of weeks ago by making this known: "I want Tiger." Rory also added that with Tiger's new swing, "He's more beatable than ever. We like the new Tiger".

The Man (who didn't play Colonial) had responded thusly: "I've won 9 of the last 12 tournaments I've played...and three so far this year. What's he got? Three career wins? I like the new Tiger, too."

This is great stuff. You just don't hear this kind of trash-talking in golf, like you do in other sports. Golfers are usually oh-so-polite to one another in the media, even though privately you know they feel otherwise.

It's refreshing to hear somebody like Sabbatini speak his mind and stir the pot a bit. We need more rivalry in golf; it creates fan interest. Problem for Rory is, Tiger has a memory like an elephant. He never forgets a slight. Anybody remember the 9 and 8 whupping Tiger laid on Stephen Ames at last year's match play tournament, after Ames made disparaging comments about Tiger's driving?

After that shellacking, Tiger simply said of Ames, "He understands now."

No doubt the Teacher wants to open young Mr. Sabbatini's mind as well.