Dawson calls for action

R&A chief executive wants badly-behaved golfers to be named and shamed and not afforded the privacy given to them by the tours they play on.
R&A chief executive wants badly-behaved golfers to be named and shamed and not afforded the privacy given to them by the tours they play on.
Currently the individual tours handle all disciplinary issues behind closed doors and do not publicise the outcomes, but Dawson feels it’s about time that changes.
With Tiger Woods’ public outburst during the second round of the Masters once again raising the issue of player behaviour, Dawson would like more openness in the disciplinary process in order to discourage further indiscretions.
He admits, however, that they will not be able to make any temporary changes in policy for the upcoming Open Championship, which is being staged at Royal Lytham and St Annes this summer.
“The European Tour have published once or twice. Both tours know our view on that but it is a matter for them,” said Dawson.
“I have gone on record as saying more public sanctioning would not be a bad thing.
“That would not be the Tour policy certainly in the United States and they have reasons for that.
“One would have thought public sanctions would be more likely to lead to a correction of behaviour rather than private sanctions.
“We have always relied on the tours to put players through their disciplinary procedures or tour members if there is some kind of misbehaviour.
“We don’t actually have a published Open championship bad behaviour policy.
“It is not something you can do for one week a year.”
Asked what the response would be should Woods be caught spitting or swearing at the Open, Dawson responded diplomatically: “It is an unedifying spectacle.”
Latest
-
News
Dale Whitnell takes four-shot lead into final round in Stockholm
The Englishman carded a round of 70 despite two double-bogeys.
-
News
Justin Rose recalls ‘magical’ US Open triumph 10 years on
Rose won his first, and so far only, major title at Merion a decade ago.
-
News
Rory McIlroy boosts chances of third RBC Canadian Open title with flawless 67
McIlroy recorded five birdies at Oakdale Golf and Country Club to improve to six under par, three shots off the midway lead held by China’s Carl Yuan.
-
News
England’s Dale Whitnell holds six-shot lead at Scandinavian Mixed
The 34-year-old will take a commanding lead into the weekend of the event which sees men and women compete against each other.
-
News
Georgia Hall hopes Ryann O’Toole relationship helps others be true to themselves
The relationship blossomed after the duo were paired in a tournament in 2022.
-
US Open
5 major contenders for the 123rd US Open
Matt Fitzpatrick is bidding to join Brooks Koepka in winning back-to-back titles.
-
US Open
US Open offers on-course respite from golf’s turbulent times
Matt Fitzpatrick will defend his title with many questions still hanging over the game’s future.
-
LIV Golf
Architect of golf’s surprise merger calls for people ‘to come together’
Jimmy Dunne said there is ‘too much divisiveness’ between the rival tours.
-
PGA Tour
Matt Fitzpatrick one off pace in Canadian Open ahead of title defence
England’s Aaron Rai shares the first-round lead in final event before US Open.
-
PGA Tour
Matt Fitzpatrick one off lead at Canadian Open as compatriot Aaron Rai sets pace
Rai was one of three players on five under par midway through the opening round.