Stadler On USGA Big Man's Pairing: “They’re invoking their 5-year-old sense of humor.”

Jason Sobel talked to Brendon de Jonge, Shane Lowry and Kevin Stadler about the USGA's pairing of the three "bigger" golfers. Sobel reviews the USGA tradition of "cute" pairings at the national championship, calling it a "fun little custom" but that a "proverbial line might have been crossed."

The players in question weigth 230, 225 and 250. Two of them were insulted by the move.

Sobel writes:

“When I saw it, I was pretty annoyed,” said Lowry, who points out that he’s lost about 18 pounds in the past six months. “I think it’s very cheeky of the USGA to do what they’ve done. I don’t think it’s fair to the three of us. It’s a mockery, to be honest.”

Stadler wasn't thrilled either.

“I think the USGA is a little mean and insensitive, but that’s just the way it goes,” Stadler insisted. “They’re invoking their 5-year-old sense of humor.”

From the USGA’s perspective, the tradition of producing these groupings is simply a unique part of U.S. Open ritual.

“There are some themes, you know,” said Jeff Hall, the organization’s managing director of rules and competitions. “There’s a fair amount of leeway.”

There were also plenty of other options for de Jonge, Lowry and Stadler.

When asked why those three competitors were grouped together, Hall responded, “I’ve got to be careful. We have some fun.”

Sobel notes that Stadler was paired with Tim Herron and Carl Pettersson at the 2006 U.S. Open at Winged Foot.