"Let’s face it, it proves some of these guys make too much money.”

Longtime readers know that two things really, really bug me: great old golf courses getting changed by the people who are supposed to regulate equipment, and professional golfers who no-show or WD to U.S. Open and Open Championship qualifyings.

Well, Jim McCabe takes a look at who showed up in Columbus, and who pulled out. Besides Jason Day, Boo Weekley, Tom Gillis, Fredrik Jacobson, Notah Begay, Jeff Overton and Brett Wetterich, I think Nathan Green takes the prize for sheer...something. Chutzpah? Ignorance? General soullessness?

Nathan Green had signed to play this week in Memphis, but after shooting 76 to finish T-41 at the Memorial on Sunday, the Aussie told a reporter that he was bagging his qualifying plans.

“I’m really not that interested in playing it,” Green said. “I’d rather sit home on the couch and watch soccer than beat my head against a brick wall for four days.”

A curious statement, and when relayed to a USGA official overseeing the qualifier here, he shook his head.
“What’s so difficult about this? You play golf for a living, so play golf,” he said.

And from a veteran PGA Tour caddie whose player was on hand, but in need of a blistering afternoon round to advance, there was this: “We talked about it this morning and couldn’t believe (the guys who didn’t show up). Let’s face it, it proves some of these guys make too much money.”

 Ah, but there are some folks with soul, so let's recognize them, starting with 50-year-old qualifier Tom Lehman.

“Three-under,” Tom Lehman said as he packed his golf bag and prepared to head over to Brookside.
“Go make a few more birdies,” said another 50-year-old, Bobby Clampett, whose dream of playing his favorite course in the world, Pebble Beach, and returning to his home area had been dealt a blow by shooting a 73 at Brookside.

“Nothing to write about,” Clampett said. “Put your pen away.”

Not quite true, for just seeing Clampett and others give it a try was noteworthy, a sentiment that was validated moments later when another 50-year-old, Tom Pernice Jr., checked in with a 68 on the Lakes course.

Told that some of his peers had not teed it up, Pernice shrugged.

“Everybody’s personality is different. But to me, the U.S. Open is very important and it’s important to try. I love Pebble Beach and I owe it to myself.”