Sunday, May 25, 2008

DOUGHERTY ANGERED BY ALLISS

DOUGHERTY ANGERED BY ALLISS

Nick Dougherty on Sunday criticised television commentator Peter Alliss for his remarks about the standard of play during the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

The 25-year-old from Liverpool, who as one of the early starters in the third round, found himself watching the BBC's coverage as the leaders battled with a swirling wind and bumpy greens.

"I thought it was very sad. In fact, I thought it was disgusting," said Dougherty of Alliss' criticism.

"He was talking about us being bad putters. I don't know whether it's because he has been out of the game for so long, but I didn't think it was right and he ought to show us more respect.

"I wish we could take him out there and show him how difficult it was. In Match Play week (October) the greens are stunning, but the seeding at this time of year makes the putts wobble about."

The state of the greens has been a hot topic of debate all week - even before the event with Ian Poulter saying he was playing in America rather than in the European Tour's flagship tournament because he had never been able to putt well at Wentworth.

A few years ago Retief Goosen threatened never to return because of the greens. He shot a 66 for seven under today, but then stated: "This is about as good as I can do around this place."

During today's broadcast Alliss, a former Ryder Cup player who in the 1953 match at Wentworth lost a vital singles, said: "We would be doing our viewers a disservice if we didn't attempt to tell them how it is.

"I have great admiration for those who can play and those who can adapt. I realise how difficult it is, perhaps more than most. I have played on courses like this and you have to change tack."

Meanwhile, George O'Grady, chief executive of the European Tour, and Wentworth managing director Julian Small said that talks will take place about the club's greens.

"We have never stood back from investing on the course," said Small.

"You've always got to look at how you move forward. We don't stand still - everything about us is about moving forward."

O'Grady commented: "We don't hide away from things that aren't perfect. There has been a lot of work put in by Wentworth Club, so it's very disappointing for them not to deliver it.

"I've had a couple other greenkeepers here this week who reckon the conditions were particularly difficult when it became very warm after some moisture and the different grasses grew at different speeds.

"I think what we're facing here is something that we all put our best efforts into for a year and really attack this problem. Certainly I don't see we need to consider moving for next year."

On the television coverage O'Grady added that he had no yet seen all the tapes, but added: "I make it my business to look at it. If I in any way have a problem I discuss it with the head of the BBC first."


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