Jerry Kelly to miss Open Championship

[chippen]

Playing the U.S. Bank.....proof of a good guy

Title says it all. Read this a few moments ago on Golf.com and didn't see it posted.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla.(AP) Jerry Kelly considers the British Open his favorite major championship of the year. And he has no plans to play this year. Kelly has been urging sponsors and fans to do everything they can to save the U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee, his hometown tournament. U.S. Bank has said it would not renew as title sponsor this year at Milwaukee, which is held the same week as the British Open.

Then Kelly realized he wouldn't be doing his part without playing.

"I had my British Open entry,'' Kelly said, "and I got a sick feeling in my stomach and I'd miss Milwaukee and it would be the last one. And it better not to be the last one. How can I call out all these people without backing it up myself?''
Kelly has not played in Milwaukee the last two years because he was eligible for the British Open. In the meantime, he criticized Fred Funk and Kenny Perry in recent years for not playing the British when they were eligible.

European Tour member Alastair Forsyth criticized Kelly last week for skipping golf's oldest championship.
Kelly wasn't sure who Forsyth was, nor did he care what anyone thought. "It's all about Milwaukee. It's all about securing a title sponsor for Milwaukee,'' he said. "It's what got me into golf.''

I have always liked this guy. I hope all the WRX'rs up in that neck of the woods can make it to this and show Jerry as well as the town you're in support.

Mods, lock down if this has been posted elsewhere.

[jzatl04]

+1

 

Props to Jerry Kelly. I really think he should've stayed in Milwaukee the last two years as well, because he went across the pond and finished T49 and missed the cut in the Open Championship. That's just my opinion. Now with the tournament on the chopping block he decides to play. Still a good decision on his part, the tournament can use any help they can get. I've been going for six years now and there is absolutely NO ONE at the practice rounds and few people (by comparison to other tournaments) in attendance during the tournament rounds. It is a GolfWRXer's dream as you can get as close as you want to all the players and their bags and everything is very low key. I'm hopeful they will find a tournament sponsor that will keep this thing on tour. They could also use a date change. Either way, Jerry Kelly made the right choice and I hope he plays well that week. He finished 2nd the last time he played in 2006 and another strong showing could potentially drum up some local and/or corporate support.

[Tim Delgado]

I guess he should be expecting to get a taste of his own medicine if he was critical of other's decision to skip the Open, and now he plans to do the same thing. :black eye:

 

I'm sure he feels that his reason for skipping the Open justifies his choice. And I'm sure those other guys had their reasons too.

 

IMO he owes those guys an apology. JK is not so good that he should be critical of ANYONE.

 

We had a saying in baseball when someone decided that it was their place to criticize someone......"Worry about yourself". :tongue:

 

Tim

[Ed Settle]

Nice. I applaud Jerry for staying home and helping this tourney. We are all quick to say what someone should or should not do. But, I can't walk a mile in his shoes. Thank you, Jerry.

[Lobes]

Anyone who skips the Open for their own self benefit (like Perry did last year) is somewhat controversial, but when you skip the Open for the benefit of others such as JK is doing here it seems entirely different to me. The team is always more important than the player...

[Zach Heusser]

Good for him! I hope he wins the event.

GO Cheez Heads

[Bomb and Gouge]

There was a thread here ripping him for this decision.

 

Most likely some grumpy old dudes with no lives of their own. he he he!

[MtlJeff]

His reasons for skipping don't really bother me, his intentions are admirable. But i think as more and more americans start not going (for whatever reason) and don't get much grief for it, it will start to be more and more of a trend every year. I love the british open and would hate to see that happen.

 

i know the players are "independant contractors" (for better or worse), but missing majors doesn't seem right to me

[tbowles411]

Bravo Jerry Kelly. BRA-VO!

[ramylson]

+1

 

Props to Jerry Kelly. I really think he should've stayed in Milwaukee the last two years as well, because he went across the pond and finished T49 and missed the cut in the Open Championship. That's just my opinion. Now with the tournament on the chopping block he decides to play. Still a good decision on his part, the tournament can use any help they can get. I've been going for six years now and there is absolutely NO ONE at the practice rounds and few people (by comparison to other tournaments) in attendance during the tournament rounds. It is a GolfWRXer's dream as you can get as close as you want to all the players and their bags and everything is very low key. I'm hopeful they will find a tournament sponsor that will keep this thing on tour. They could also use a date change. Either way, Jerry Kelly made the right choice and I hope he plays well that week. He finished 2nd the last time he played in 2006 and another strong showing could potentially drum up some local and/or corporate support.

 

 

Agreed. It's nice that he'll stick around to help strum up support for the tournament. Milwaukee, like you mentioned, is a great event to attend. It's a shame that it competes against a major since they change in the schedule. Almost sealed the fate it's currently facing.

[grasbunkers]

pretty tough to have a great tourney the same week as a major!

[dpark]

I think it is great that Jerry is doing this but he shouldn't have to in the first place. There are too many golf tournaments anyways and many will fail due to the economy which is a good thing.

 

The PGA Tour is just plain greedy and stupid for putting events opposite majors and the other limited field events (Match Play etc.). Nothing would make me happier than to see the PGA Tour down to 26 events. You would get the best players at more events which would help draw in more crowds and the tour would be the healthier for it.

[bogeyk]

I agree that the PGA Tour shouldn't compete against majors and WGCs. It would make more sense to make the events opposite of the majors and WGCs go away and have them rotate every other year with another event that doesn't bring in quite as big a crowd and money. The tour could still have both events, but have a chance to bring stronger fields into the tournament. Title sponsors may be more inclined to stay on board biannually given the economy.

[laseranimal]

Opposite field events are bogus IMHO. Especially when you consider that you get the same two year exemption but generally speaking are playing a watered down field since most of the better players will be otherwise occupied.

 

I've got no problems with guys who win events when tiger/phil/ak/paddy stay home due to schedule(like the week after a major). There's no way around that, but winning an opposite field event is like winning the NIT vs the NCAA.

[charlesdupuy]

That is a very honourable thing to do and I'd hope that I do the same thing in his position, I'd imagine that it would have a slightly haunting effect on him if it was the last U.S. Bank Championship and he didn't do anything to help it out, but forgive me for being slightly critical. I can see that there may be a few thousand more through the gate to see a 'home' player and especially one who has won on tour this year, but I don't think that a player like Kelly will draw the TV audience and media attention that would persuade a sponsor to extend their involement, especially when there's a major championship going on at the same time.

 

As opposed to taking a PGA Tour event and letting it suffer becasue most of the top players are elsewhere, and then bumping up the field with Nationwide Tour players, would they not be better off taking a Nationwide event and making it co-sanctioned like the Saint-Omer Open on the European Tour? That way instead of being a dull week for the PGA Tour it's a bonus week for the Nationwide Tour because they have more accomplished players competing.

[Golfwolf]

Anyone who skips the Open for their own self benefit (like Perry did last year) is somewhat controversial, but when you skip the Open for the benefit of others such as JK is doing here it seems entirely different to me. The team is always more important than the player...

 

Very well stated, I totally agree!

[blade_man]

I agree that the PGA Tour shouldn't compete against majors and WGCs. It would make more sense to make the events opposite of the majors and WGCs go away and have them rotate every other year with another event that doesn't bring in quite as big a crowd and money. The tour could still have both events, but have a chance to bring stronger fields into the tournament. Title sponsors may be more inclined to stay on board biannually given the economy.

 

 

+1

This was my exact thought when I first read the title, would be much more conducive to a title sponsor to get advertising without being up against a "major" and get some coverage.

[Freddie Klien]

Any tournament that goes up against a major is always going to have a best of the rest feel to it, it is the USPGA's fault or whoever is responsible for the schedule. Afterall what is Super Kelly going to do next year to try and save it I don't think this shows class I think it shows a lack of ambition, and a lack of respect for a Major. If he does not want to play they should make him ineligible for qualification from now on, then he can play in his local monthly medal every year.

[tbowles411]

Any tournament that goes up against a major is always going to have a best of the rest feel to it, it is the USPGA's fault or whoever is responsible for the schedule. Afterall what is Super Kelly going to do next year to try and save it I don't think this shows class I think it shows a lack of ambition, and a lack of respect for a Major. If he does not want to play they should make him ineligible for qualification from now on, then he can play in his local monthly medal every year.

How can something he sees as noble be construed as a lack of class and ambition? And a lack of respect for a major? You are entitled to your opinion, but spare the world from your indignation. He made a decision you don't like. Get over it. Welcome to life. He didn't say, "I hate the Open, I'll never play there." He said that his home tournament is more important to him than the Open and this is the last time it may be played and it very well could be. His motivation is different. Some other guy will take his spot and he'll have to try to earn his way back next year with wins or world ranking. It's on him to do it or not.

[Freddie Klien]

Any tournament that goes up against a major is always going to have a best of the rest feel to it, it is the USPGA's fault or whoever is responsible for the schedule. Afterall what is Super Kelly going to do next year to try and save it[/size] I don't think this shows class I think it shows a lack of ambition, and a lack of respect for a Major. If he does not want to play they should make him ineligible for qualification from now on, then he can play in his local monthly medal every year.

How can something he sees as noble be construed as a lack of class and ambition? And a lack of respect for a major? You are entitled to your opinion, but spare the world from your indignation. He made a decision you don't like. Get over it. Welcome to life. He didn't say, "I hate the Open, I'll never play there." He said that his home tournament is more important to him than the Open and this is the last time it may be played and it very well could be. His motivation is different. Some other guy will take his spot and he'll have to try to earn his way back next year with wins or world ranking. It's on him to do it or not.

 

 

OK how does choseing to play in a second rate tournament instead of a major not show a lack of ambition ( and I didn't say it showed a lack of class I disagreed that it showed class - the class balance remaining neutral LOL)

 

And of course it shows a lack of respect for the Open, its saying that in the general scheme of things a failing unsupported event in America is more important to him than playig in the Open, you don't know he may not qualify again.

 

And just because he thinks he is doing things for the right reasons does not mean he is correct.

[xxio]

The PGA cannot be faulted for holding an event opposite a major. The guys who have a card but are not eligible to play in the major need to make some money too. These events just have to lower expectations in terms of attendance and maybe purse.

[tbowles411]

Any tournament that goes up against a major is always going to have a best of the rest feel to it, it is the USPGA's fault or whoever is responsible for the schedule. Afterall what is Super Kelly going to do next year to try and save it[/size] I don't think this shows class I think it shows a lack of ambition, and a lack of respect for a Major. If he does not want to play they should make him ineligible for qualification from now on, then he can play in his local monthly medal every year.

How can something he sees as noble be construed as a lack of class and ambition? And a lack of respect for a major? You are entitled to your opinion, but spare the world from your indignation. He made a decision you don't like. Get over it. Welcome to life. He didn't say, "I hate the Open, I'll never play there." He said that his home tournament is more important to him than the Open and this is the last time it may be played and it very well could be. His motivation is different. Some other guy will take his spot and he'll have to try to earn his way back next year with wins or world ranking. It's on him to do it or not.

 

 

OK how does choseing to play in a second rate tournament instead of a major not show a lack of ambition ( and I didn't say it showed a lack of class I disagreed that it showed class - the class balance remaining neutral LOL)

 

And of course it shows a lack of respect for the Open, its saying that in the general scheme of things a failing unsupported event in America is more important to him than playig in the Open, you don't know he may not qualify again.

 

And just because he thinks he is doing things for the right reasons does not mean he is correct.

Different things motivate different people. Choosing to play in a tournament you've played in since you were a tour rookie, where you got your start is his choice. That tournament needs him and other pros to come play. Why is it so hard to understand this is his "major?" The fallacy in your argument is that his decision is wrong because you don't agree with it. I can't tell you what to do or think and say you are not justified in your thinking. It's YOUR reason; so how I say you are incorrect? I can disagree with you, but if you lets say wanted to run into a wall at top speed. I say, no dude, don't do that. That's going to hurt. If you have it in your mind you are right and justified, then run. We're not talking the economy here. This is golf. No one is going to die if he doesn't play the Open. Another Euro or a journeyman is going to get a shot at glory. Something is more important to him than prestige or appearances to the world. He doesn't deserve to be flamed because he's not going to play in a major.

 

Everyone remembers Kenny Perry. He was mercessly flamed for not playing in the Open last year. He wanted to focus on the Ryder Cup and the course didn't fit his game. At the end of the day he was right and was instrumental to the US win. Everyone is different. Sometimes the right thing for you is not the same for me and vice versa.

[laseranimal]

The PGA cannot be faulted for holding an event opposite a major. The guys who have a card but are not eligible to play in the major need to make some money too. These events just have to lower expectations in terms of attendance and maybe purse.

 

 

My response to that is "play better"

 

honestly except for Augusta where its a small field and many spots are taken by invites and past champs, or the small field WGC events, there's really no excuse to not reward someone who's not qualified to get into a Major. Think about it, these are the best players in the world, if you can't get into the US Open or The Open, its because you didn't qualify. If you didn't get into the PGA its because you're not top 70 on the money list, a winner on tour, a Major winner, Ryder Cup player, or good enough to get an invite into a 156 man field. Sorry but IMHO you're not good enough to DESERVE to make a check on the PGA tour if you don't have the qualifications to make a 156 man field, take the week off and go practice and GET BETTER!

 

This idea that we have to do something for the guys who "just aren't good enough" to be eligible so they can make a check just annoys me to no end. IMHO the reason that Tiger doesn't seem to have the same competition Jack had is because we've got a ton of guys who make a VERY comfortable living just making cuts and cashing checks. If you took away their meal tickets, maybe they'd be a bit hungrier.

[tbowles411]

The PGA cannot be faulted for holding an event opposite a major. The guys who have a card but are not eligible to play in the major need to make some money too. These events just have to lower expectations in terms of attendance and maybe purse.

 

 

My response to that is "play better"

 

honestly except for Augusta where its a small field and many spots are taken by invites and past champs, or the small field WGC events, there's really no excuse to not reward someone who's not qualified to get into a Major. Think about it, these are the best players in the world, if you can't get into the US Open or The Open, its because you didn't qualify. If you didn't get into the PGA its because you're not top 70 on the money list, a winner on tour, a Major winner, Ryder Cup player, or good enough to get an invite into a 156 man field. Sorry but IMHO you're not good enough to DESERVE to make a check on the PGA tour if you don't have the qualifications to make a 156 man field, take the week off and go practice and GET BETTER!

 

This idea that we have to do something for the guys who "just aren't good enough" to be eligible so they can make a check just annoys me to no end. IMHO the reason that Tiger doesn't seem to have the same competition Jack had is because we've got a ton of guys who make a VERY comfortable living just making cuts and cashing checks. If you took away their meal tickets, maybe they'd be a bit hungrier.

Rocco said the same when Tiger made the decision to make the AT&T an invitational event. When Tom Pernice, Jr. complained about the limited field, Rocco said, "Play better. The rest will take care of itself." :D

[kdy663]

I think it is great that Jerry is doing this but he shouldn't have to in the first place. There are too many golf tournaments anyways and many will fail due to the economy which is a good thing.

 

The PGA Tour is just plain greedy and stupid for putting events opposite majors and the other limited field events (Match Play etc.). Nothing would make me happier than to see the PGA Tour down to 26 events. You would get the best players at more events which would help draw in more crowds and the tour would be the healthier for it.

 

 

Opposite field events are bogus IMHO. Especially when you consider that you get the same two year exemption but generally speaking are playing a watered down field since most of the better players will be otherwise occupied.

 

I've got no problems with guys who win events when tiger/phil/ak/paddy stay home due to schedule(like the week after a major). There's no way around that, but winning an opposite field event is like winning the NIT vs the NCAA.

 

 

Any tournament that goes up against a major is always going to have a best of the rest feel to it, it is the USPGA's fault or whoever is responsible for the schedule. Afterall what is Super Kelly going to do next year to try and save it I don't think this shows class I think it shows a lack of ambition, and a lack of respect for a Major. If he does not want to play they should make him ineligible for qualification from now on, then he can play in his local monthly medal every year.

 

 

The PGA cannot be faulted for holding an event opposite a major. The guys who have a card but are not eligible to play in the major need to make some money too. These events just have to lower expectations in terms of attendance and maybe purse.

 

 

My response to that is "play better"

 

honestly except for Augusta where its a small field and many spots are taken by invites and past champs, or the small field WGC events, there's really no excuse to not reward someone who's not qualified to get into a Major. Think about it, these are the best players in the world, if you can't get into the US Open or The Open, its because you didn't qualify. If you didn't get into the PGA its because you're not top 70 on the money list, a winner on tour, a Major winner, Ryder Cup player, or good enough to get an invite into a 156 man field. Sorry but IMHO you're not good enough to DESERVE to make a check on the PGA tour if you don't have the qualifications to make a 156 man field, take the week off and go practice and GET BETTER!

 

This idea that we have to do something for the guys who "just aren't good enough" to be eligible so they can make a check just annoys me to no end. IMHO the reason that Tiger doesn't seem to have the same competition Jack had is because we've got a ton of guys who make a VERY comfortable living just making cuts and cashing checks. If you took away their meal tickets, maybe they'd be a bit hungrier.

 

 

 

There is nothing wrong with holding an event opposite a major. Those smaller events allow for smaller markets to get a professional golf event that brings millions of dollars in charities to that area.

 

Also if a player wishes to skip a major that is his right (whatever the reason may be). Mark Hensby decided to skip the British after qualifying the week before by winning the John Deere because he was on top of his game and personally never played in the UK and decided it would be better to not go over there, miss a cut and kill his confidence. Nothing wrong with that because he is trying to do what is best for his career.

 

So are you saying that guys who win without Phil or Tiger in the field should not get credit for a win? Please! There are plenty of great players on the PGA Tour who can beat any other player on any given day!

 

And last, play better??? Are you telling me that the US Amateur/pub links winners and runner up (who get into majors) are better than the 31st player on the PGA Tour money list that did not get in?? The SINGLE best field in golf is this week at The Players.... majors do not take the best 144 golfers in the world, therefore playing better may not always get you in. I am not saying anyone should complain, but don't be upset that they have other events for some of the best players in the world to play in if they don't get into the British.

[dpark]

There is nothing wrong with holding an event opposite a major. Those smaller events allow for smaller markets to get a professional golf event that brings millions of dollars in charities to that area.

 

I disagree with your statement, these opposite field events are NOT successful which is why they are failing and US Bank and others are pulling out. If you just watch these events on TV (whatever 2nd tier station they show it on) you will see there are virtually no fans there, sparse galleries and 1/2 empty grandstands.

 

When you don't have marquee players, you just don't pack the fans in the seats, period. It is a waste of time and money for the sponsor. The only ones who care are die-hard golf fans (and there really aren't that many in these smaller markets to begin with) and the players who are trying to make a paycheck. TV watchers don't tune in at all, further irritating the TV sponsors.

 

The PGA Tour needs to scale back on the number of events they have so the ones that remain are stronger, in the best venues, and with stronger fields (big names) that fill the gates. The PGA Tour got way too greedy with Tigermania and put too many events on the schedule because they could, not because it was the right thing to do.

 

The best thing that could happen IMO is when the TV negotiations start again, the total size of the purse drops by 30% or more. That is the only thing that will force Finchem into looking hard at what events to keep and which ones to shoot in the head.

[xxio]

"play better"

 

I think the guys are trying their best, unfortunately they are not in the top xxx in the world. Using your argument the past Masters Champions are "playing better" than several players who did not qualify?

 

Using that logic as well. All pro golf throughout the world should stop during the week of a major because all the other players weren't playing well enough to get into the Major that week.

 

Why are these tournaments losing money? Simple, the economy. They used to do okay when the economy was fine. To say that the main cuase is the week opposite a major then what about the past 15 years with events opposite a major? Those did okay for their expectations.

 

Solution is simple as well. Lower expectations and purses. I'm sure the "not playing better" players will still show up to try to make money and keep their cards. These tournaments knew they were never going to get a top field anyway to begin with. Even as viewers we know that we will be watching the major instead of the pga stop that week, but if a favorite of mine who isn't playing in the major is doing well I'll watch.

[dheindogg]

Sweet Deal! Im from milwaukee! Good to see Jerry coming back what a guy! The course looks great already had a chance to play it twice a couple weeks back.

[laseranimal]

"play better"

 

I think the guys are trying their best, unfortunately they are not in the top xxx in the world. Using your argument the past Masters Champions are "playing better" than several players who did not qualify?

 

I specifically said that small field events like the Masters and the WGC are entirely different animals. One of the reasons I don't like the Masters vs other Majors is that I don't think the field is as strong at the Masters.

 

What it really boils down to for me isn't necessarily the monetary compensation, if someone wants to sponsor a tournament for the also ran players on tour because they think it could be profitable for their company/good for charity thats great.

 

My problem with the opposite field events is when someone like O'hair wins the Quail Hollow, he's got to beat a whole bunch of good players and he's rightfully awarded a two year exemption. Parker McLachlin gets the same 2 year exemption for beating the JV team at an opposite field event. To me, that sends the wrong message. If I were a middling player on tour, there's NO way I'd even TRY to qualify for a Major. I'd much rather go play an opposite field event where the talent level is lower, giving me a better opportunity at making a bigger check and possibly getting an exemption if I'm lucky enough to win.

 

Opposite field events are already worth 1/2 as many Fed-ex cup points, they should be 1/2 the exemption as well