An Apology? Really?

There are journalists calling for Phil Mickelson to apologize to any number of groups - the USGA, Oakmont, golf fans, Zach Braff - about his comments following his second round at Oakmont. Mickelson did back off of his original comments that Oakmont was "dangerous" on his website and said that, in part, his comments may have been motivated by frustration about how he did in the Open.

I am urging Phil to not back down from what he said. Phil is a media darling because he says all the right things, is polite to questioners (no matter how ridiculous), and is fairly accessible.

He occasionally, though, gives us a window into what he REALLY thinks. Remember the inferior comment remark after Woods went to Nike? Things like that come out of Lefty's mouth every now and then and it is refreshing. Quite frankly, I would rather he be blunt more often.

The game needs more honesty from players and a willingness from them to show the unpolished and unscripted side. It would make fans more interested in what players are doing on the course if they knew what they really thought off of the links. Rory Sabbatini has generated a lot of chatter recently because of his public comments about Tiger, slow play, and his wife's creative shirts. Vijay Singh, Retief Goosen, and other international players always give their honest thoughts on a subject matter. While they may not be particularly energetic or passionate when they speak, it builds a character of a golfer.

Yet these guys are crucified for their honesty by the media. The media says that golfer should not trample on traditions, mow down other players publicly, and basically say anything too controversial - a la Phil. But, the media also gets angry with Phil (and Tiger, and others) when they provide canned answers with little revelation in them. Basically, the media does not know what it wants from players, but whatever they get is something they surely won't like.

BJ Sliko from the Salem News joined me on The 19th Hole on Tuesday to discuss, in part, this subject of why the golf media is ridiculous at times. (Some, not all) ask lazy or unimaginative questions and are upset when they get canned, unimaginative answers. So, then they ask questions in an attempt to lead to more controversial answers. When a player bites, they are then nailed for it in a game of "Gotcha!" journalism.

It's no wonder that the players hate talking to the media - becuase it can quickly become a no-win situation. Golfers should be allowed to speak their mind, just like you or me, without repercussion short of being racist, sexist, etc. Allowing golfers to be more human in how they act will allow fans to identify better with players, and that is something this game desperately needs.