John Daly, who has probably been involved in more controversy than any golfer in history, yesterday criticised the Ryder Cup for being too confrontational.
"It needs to be more friendly," said the American star, in Munich this week for the BMW International Open. It's got to the point where you might as well put boxing gloves on.
"I couldn't care less about playing in something where you are going to get booed. This game was not invented for that. Do it at soccer. Don't do it at golf.
"It's a great tournament, but it's gotten away from the traditions of the game. The Ryder Cup has shown me no tradition because of the fans." Daly also feels an unhealthy rivalry has developed between the two sides. "I don't like that at all," he added.
"A lot of the guys live next to each other." The 35-year-old holds a Ryder Cup record - the only man in the modern era to win two majors and never play in the event.
Daly won the US PGA Championship in 1991 and was left out by Dave Stockton, then added the Open at St Andrews in 1995 and was omitted by Lanny Wadkins.
Neither captain felt "Wild Thing" warranted a wild card. Daly's last appearance in Europe saw him finish joint third in the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond, but he is still seeking his first victory anywhere since St Andrews.
The tournament this week is the last qualifying event for Europe's side to take on the Americans at The Belfry next month.
Seven players have already secured their places and Paul McGinley and Bernhard Langer are virtually home and dry.
But 10th-placed Phillip Price is under threat from 13 others in the points table.
Irish In Action: Padraig Harrington, Paul McGinley, Des Smyth and David Higgins.
ON TV - Thursday: Sky 1 and 3 (9.30 - 4.00). Friday: Sky 1 (9.30 -5.00). Saturday: Sky 2 (12.00-4.00). Sunday: Sky 1 (11.00-4.00).
