| 14 December 2008 |
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 comments: 37
Just as South African golf fans were about to enjoy a proud moment as Tim Clark accepted the Australian Open trophy, he dropped this clanger…
After emerging victorious from a playoff against Mathew Goggin, Clark joined Bobby Locke and Gary Player as the only South Africans to have won the Australian Open.
You’d think that Clark would be rather proud to join such an illustrious group of South Africans, but instead he said the following: "I feel like I needed to play there - I want to play at least one event - but in all honesty I felt more welcome here than I do when I go home. I can feel the appreciation of the people... but I don't feel like that when I'm at home.
"I don't want it to sound like a knock on the South African tour but I've really been made to feel very welcome here and have enjoyed my time. I can feel the appreciation of the people around that I'm here playing but I don't feel like that when I'm at home."
A valid point?
Maybe… It's probably got a lot more to do with the Sunshine Tour (appearance fees spring to mind?) and the way that they treat him, rather than the opinion of the public. (Crikey, which South African sportsman feels more welcomed by Aussie fans than SA fans?)
With the likes of Ernie, Retief, bad boy Sabbatini and Masters champion Trevor, it's sort of understandable how Clark could be ‘lost in the shadows’ despite having won the SA Open twice...
But it’s the US Tour and Major victories that make players more valuable and, of course, translate into appearance fees. Clark is yet to get a US Tour win under his belt and so he may feel a little hard done by. However, it’s the perfect opportunity to let the clubs do the talking (remember 2002 when he had to pre-qualify?) and go out and win the SA Open!
Reader comments: (37)
•Money not needed.
I don't think Tim worrie's about appearance money in SA,as is seen by his superb gesture of donating his entire winners cheque from his win in Australia to his beloved home club Umkomaas!
posted by: Jenni-Scottburgh on 2009/03/03
•Fan's are too sensitive in SA
Having travelled to numerous U19 Junior Tournament in the USA, Americans are very passionate about great golf and winners and they are celebrated no matter the nationality.The same goes for the Pro's in the USA but come back to SA and the achievements of our SA Golfers are forgotten by the fans. I walked a bit watching Tim Clark play the SA Open at Pearl Valley having won the Australian Open (yeh 3rd South African Ever) on the Sunday only acuople of day's prior, and there were maybe 6 of walking with Tim.Why have the Press not made a big show of the achievement so you have a number of Juniors on holiday walking with Tim. The Fan's are the whingers!!!
posted by: Ray from Irene on 2009/02/20
•Tim is right
South African fans don't support all of their top achievers. I was in America recently and an icon like Gary Player is much more popular in America than in South Africa. Gary Player has acheived more than any other golfer from South Africa and still doesn't get the praise and recogition he deserves. I believe it is because South Africans like modest people and tend to resent people with outspoken viewpoints.
posted by: Earl on 2008/12/28
•who cares
hey tim ,who cares ....get a life...preferably down under
posted by: chris on 2008/12/17
•Tim Clark
Appearance money should be banned, make them work for the money like we all do
posted by: David Harris on 2008/12/17
•Jason
No comment, Tim's a man of rare quality.
posted by: Jason on 2008/12/17
•Tim fan
I think Tim is a great SA ambassador and think he has been left in the cold by organisers.He should've been at Sun City for starters.Leave Tim seeing everyone is entitled to their oppinion.
posted by: James on 2008/12/17
•What a storm in a teacup !
I think Tim felt more welcome in Oz because of the huge South African community cheering him on. Back home he is just one of our boys doing well abroad. I am also sure that his feeling was mentioned as a sort of compliment to Australia. It has been misunderstood and is now blown up out of all proportion. Walk away Tim and get on with winning the SA Open. We are all routing for you.
posted by: Ann Matthews on 2008/12/16
•Let's wait and see
Who know's... He might win this week at the SA Open and say the exact same thing?? These guys often say what the crowd on the day want to hear!!!
posted by: Hopefull that he wins! on 2008/12/16
•Butterimg your bread
I think Tim was rather caught up by the moment.Perhaps he is thinking of a move but these guys live a hell of a good life and don't come across the hassels we have to put up with. Come clean Tim!!
posted by: Sakabula on 2008/12/16
•The babe...
is Tim's wife!
posted by: brad on 2008/12/16
•Who is the babe?
Never mind Tim, who is his babe? Is she Australian? Naaah too pretty..
posted by: Peter M on 2008/12/15
•Am I missimg something?
I have re-read Tim's comments and for the life of me I can't find any mention of appearance fees, did I omit to read betwen the lines??
posted by: Tim fan on 2008/12/15
•Who is to blame
SA fans are always quick to react to criticism by attacking the player. They could "never be at fault". If TC feels as he says then SA fans should accept the barbs ...they have probably deserved it.
posted by: MGW on 2008/12/15 on 2008/12/15
•Ag shame
Go and live there we will not miss u
posted by: maniekriel on 2008/12/15
•Out of context
The Sunshine Tour or for that matter, any Tour does not pay appearance fees and it is unfortunate that Tim feels this way. The Sunshine Tour has always been proud of his achievements and we consider Tim to be a valuable memebr of The Sunshine Tour. In my view I think his comments may have been taken out of context as he really is a good guy and I am convinced there is no malice behind this.
posted by: Grant Wilson on 2008/12/15
•Clark Supporter
I have always wanted Tim to win in the USA. And I was very happy to hear he won in Australia. But his belittling the SA fans was unnecessary. Why do SA sportspeople have to be rude about their country? Why not be proud of where you come from and rather say I won this for my country and fans back home. Now that is what I call a winner!
posted by: bobby on 2008/12/15
•er....
guys, c'mon. he's not talking about 'the media' here - which has actually been quite supportive of him over the years. Exactly what part of "I can feel the appreciation of the people around that I'm here playing but I don't feel like that when I'm at home" do you find confusing? I reckon, appearance fees aside, he's probably a bit pissed off at the fact that no-one bothers to get off their sofas and watch Sunshine Tour events. maybe free entry to the Open will chance that.
posted by: Golf Cynic on 2008/12/15
•Aussies were honoured
The ex-SA ausies must have given Tim the real welcome. The ausies were so happy to have him playing in their Open (along with John Daley)that they treated him like they should treat a Sou'frican. Go Tim, youre a class act!
posted by: Clive Robert on 2008/12/15
•OUT OF CONTEXT AGAIN?
I AGREE TIM HAS BEEN POORLY TREATED BY S.A. PRESS AND OTHERS FOR QUITE SOME TIME NOW!
posted by: PETER on 2008/12/15
•Let him go in peace...
Tim has made his choice known. This country will produce more of the Richard Sterne's and the Ruperts.
posted by: Ron on 2008/12/15
•Good On Yer Tim
Given that the SA media can never see beyond Ernie Els, and seldom give any credit to the many other fine South Africans out there, Tim's comments are fully justified. Good on yer Tim for saying what needs to be said.
posted by: RJA MB on 2008/12/15
•Out of context
These comments are always taken out of context by the press who like to sensationalise everything! I take it with a pinch of salt. Well done Tim - you have done South Africa proud!!
posted by: Warwick on 2008/12/15
•Take a chill pill....
He cleary feels that he was appreciated in Aus. That's a huge compliment for the Aus fans, PGA etc. Maybe we should learn from it rather than whinging about it!
posted by: RJ on 2008/12/15
•Be like America SA
Talented kids in the U.S , are supported from School to old age , in every genre of development necessary ( coaching, agents , sponsors, social etc...)Just think how many Champions we could have had. Nepotism and lack of unity is to blame !!Tim spoke his Heart , time for a change ! SA can be the best !
posted by: formersportsman on 2008/12/15
•Out of Context
I have known Tim for many years and it appears that this statement has been blown into something that it is not. Tim is a loyal South African, carries the South African flag high and is a true patriot. Regarding appearance fees ... with the world economy taking a tumble and many of the larger sponsors worldwide being motor manufacturers and banks, I'm pretty certain that appearance fees will start becoming a thing of the past.
posted by: Michael Scholz on 2008/12/15
•Unlike Tim...
A pity he had to make those comments. If he has a beef with the SA Tour, he should sort it out with them. He is a great guy and this seems so out of character. You can bet he didn't mean he prefers Australians over South Africans...
posted by: TC Fan on 2008/12/15
•The sad fact is...
...that appearance fees are a necessary evil. Our top players play for so much money during the year that our purses could NEVER compete. Plus the Sunshine Tour is at the end of a "long year", so they are hardly keen to fight it out for the prestige of winning. Appearance fees are the only way to lure them back - there is no loyalty any more. As they say: if you want loyalty, get a dog!
posted by: Craig Newell on 2008/12/15
•Gob smacked
Hard to believe TC said that. Never thought he was a whinger. I always got the impression he liked coming "home". Maybe he is sulking because he did not get an invite to the Nebank...
posted by: Hugh on 2008/12/15
•Why Pay Appearance Fees?
Wouldn't it be better to refuse to pay any appearance fees and to put the savings into increasing the prize money? Surely the resulting bigger pot (and more points towards the rankings?) would attract more of the big names anyway? The top players like to claim that it is not the money, but the prestige - or are they lying?
posted by: Brian on 2008/12/15
•Something sucks
Tim is not a whinger.I know himand he has great integrity. Something here must be wrong for him to say that.
posted by: Derek Jones on 2008/12/15
•Show them again !
Tim, you have always had the loyal support of your friends and family in Umkomaas - and further afield. I also feel you do not always get the recognition you deserve - so my suggestion is "Show them again !" - let your clubs do the talking and add the SA Open to your Aussie Open Titles - back to back - we're with you Champ !
posted by: Devlyn Fraser on 2008/12/15
•Nobody as loud as Aussies
The old Big Mouths from down under might create that impression with their need for added decibels. We are quieter, more civilised supporters.Tim Fan - Cape Town
posted by: Björn van Oort on 2008/12/15
•Whinger delux
His attitude towards his fans is a reflection of this country's reaction to him. Can he not be given honorary Aussie citizenship????
posted by: Anthony on 2008/12/15
•Hey Insider...
If you think that's bad, ask all of them how much they charge to play in charity events to raise funds "for the children" each year.
posted by: Empty Vessel on 2008/12/14
•Tim's got no chance...
Wait until you see who he has on the bag at the SA Open... It's like an immediate four-shot penalty! Who in their right mind thinks he win the SA Open with a Rondebosch old boy trying to do simple arithmetic and cleaning clubs (at the same time)
posted by: We love you Ian! on 2008/12/14
•Harden the F*ck Up, Tim
...as a well-known Aussie comedian is known to say. Nobody likes a whinger. All of SA's so-called big names should play here for free. It's called giving back to SA golf. This business of having to pay our guys stupid numbers (in dollars) is ludicrous. If it wasn't for junior, amateur and professional golf in this country, they sure as hell wouldn't be where they are today.
posted by: Insider on 2008/12/14
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