Best golf quotes in 2014 – Part I

Special feature by Anand Datla

December 30, 2014: As we turn the leaf on yet another year on the calendar, it is time to reminisce on some intelligible quotes around the game of golf. In this two part series, we bring you some of the most memorable quips this season.

Arjun Atwal

The end of lengthy drought and a renewed taste of success never fails to lift a player into the realm of misty heights. Arjun Atwal experienced just that and more when he finally managed to win one, for the first time since Wyndham in 2010.

”This one feels really special,” said Atwal. ”I’ve gone through some really tough times the last few years with injuries and losing my card on the PGA Tour and all that stuff. It was at a point where I almost wanted to quit. Thanks to a few of my family and friends, I didn’t, and here we are.”

Rory McIlroy

The world’s best golfer chose profession over pleasure when he turned runaway groom when he called off his engagement with Caroline Wozniacki just hours after the couple sent out their first wedding invites.

“The problem is mine. The wedding invitations issued at the weekend made me realize that I wasn’t ready for all that marriage entails,” McIlroy told the BBC. “There is no right way to end a relationship that has been so important to two people. I wish Caroline all the happiness she deserves and thank her for the great times we have had.”

Anirban Lahiri

Another golfer who was presented a choice between pleasure and profession was India’s Anirban Lahiri. The golfer learnt of his qualification to The Open even as he just began to enjoy some conjugal bliss in a faraway honeymoon destination.

“I am two days into my 10-day honeymoon. In the middle of a tropical rainforest in Madagascar and trying to get back to India now ASAP (as soon as possible). Total chaos. Will have to make it up to the wife big time. Super excited,” Lahiri said. “Just trying to figure out my movements so that I can get ready for The Open.”

Phil Mickelson

Leftie was a media delight several times during the year. He was making up for some poor form on the courses with a smooth flow of biting comments from behind the microphone. His utterance at the Ryder Cup had an entire room in splits.

There was some banter already between Mickelson and McIlroy in the lead up to the event. He was “on the last few holes of his career,” said the Northern Irishman about Mickelson. And the seething American was presented his opportunity, when someone in the media ventured to ask if the Americans weren’t faring well enough because they weren’t as close a unit as the Europeans.

“Well, not only are we able to play together, we also don’t litigate against each other. And that’s a real plus, I feel, heading into this week,” shot Mickelson referring to the legal wrangle between McIlroy and Graeme McDowell.

Michael Jordan

A basketball legend is an unlikely source for a quote on golf, but Michael Jordan can be trusted with stretching the envelope. Jordan was asked whether he might consider including Barack Obama in his dream foursome and he left us with a memorable sound byte.

“I’ve never played with Obama, but I would… But no, that’s ok,” Jordan checked himself. “I’d take him out. He’s a hack and I’d be all day playing with him. I never said he wasn’t a great politician. I’m just saying he’s a sh$&%y golfer.”