Skip It All You Want

I don't care if Kenny Perry wins 10 times a year and decides to pass on the British Open.

Big whoop.

Instead, I agree with Davis Love III; the real crime is committed when players qualify and show up for the British Open and then gripe, moan and complain once they get there. Love was right. The weather is gonna stink and the courses are quirky. Even if it's warm, it means the course will be firm and you're bound to see some really weird, odd bounces and tough greens. That's part of the mystic that makes "The Open" such a special event. If you can't accept that (umm, Pat Perez), don't go and play. The world's oldest major will continue on just fine without you.

If it were me, and I had a chance to play in the British Open, I'd definitely go. But for PGA Tour players, one of their greatest luxuries is the ability to craft whatever schedule they deem fit (so long as they meet the minimum requirements). If Kenny Perry doesn't want to go, hey, that's great for the folks in Milwaukee. And come on, we're talking about Kenny Perry--a phenomenal player, but not one with the pressure and weight of worldwide sponsors, investors and TV networks that make a living based on whether he plays or not. (How many millions and millions are lost in ad revenue with Tiger out this season?)

If Perry wants to rack up Fed Ex points or Ryder Cup points, so be it. I say, the guy is a class act. He could just have easily cancelled the entire week. But he didn't, instead he showed up and played in Milwaukee. Some guys also know their limitations, and know they just don't play well on links-style courses because, well, that's just not the kind of golf they learned. It doesn't mean he isn't as talented as a player who likes links-style golf, it just means he plays a different type of game. Besides, I'm sure if Perry wanted, he could dial in his game and kick some tail on the Euro Tour if he tried...he is that good.

Finally, Curtis Strange ditched the British Open 5 times is the 80's--a time when he was at his peak, Scott Hoch hates playing in bad weather and the list goes on. And lastly, Tiger will be back next next year and so will some of his wannabes anyway. Let's just chill...

To my fellow press core, give Kenny Perry a break. If anyone should receive criticism, look at what John Daly did.