[okie]

I know I haven't been posting on here long and I want it to be clear that I am not on here stirring for the sake of it.

That said, the last post frankly is rubbish. Brian Gay according to the following source click has earned almost $8 million from tournaments alone - I've no idea how much sponsorship must have made him but could we safely guess half as much again?

To suggest he is out there grafting for his family is a crock in my opinion. The only way to get remembered is by winning majors. Ask Monty how many of his European money list titles he'd swap for just one major. At least Monty played in every single major he could.

What's next, avoiding certain courses because of windy or rainy conditions?

I understand why you think as you do. My point was not clear enough. I made the Lietzke comparison because I have read that he would put the sticks up during the summer months (missing the US Open often) because it allowed him to fully participate in his children's lives. I was not referencing monetary considerations. A little league game, or a fishing trip ranked very high on his to do list (as well as classic cars!) The journeyman lifestyle (even with all the perks of a tour player) is no picnic. I have been told by those that know that it can reak havoc with a good family life.

For the record Monty has gone on record as saying he would not trade his eight orders of merit for any one major. Why? Who cares, it is a retarded hypothetical!

It is easy to think of these sportsmen as public domain, afterall they are in the business of entertaining us, right? I would love for Brian to tee it up at Torrey Pines, and would love it even more if he played to his potential there. With every swing I know I am watching a triple barrel hit! He is a pro, and he has good reasons...no doubt Those viewing the hoisting of the US Open trophy with misty eyes from easy chairs seldom think in practical terms...and probably do not give a crap about the person himself (only the entertainment value itself) I am sure somebody somewhere is pissed off that Tiger only tees it up 17 times a year, afterall 17 tournaments would have been a frenetic year for Nicklaus!

I think it was Scott Hoch who used to get it in the neck for not playing the British Open. They are all private contractors in a free world.