Ogilvy-Allenby spat looms at Aussie Masters

• By Associated Press
• Dec 12, 2011 9:50 AM ET

MELBOURNE, Australia – Geoff Ogilvy says it could be “quite interesting” if he finds himself paired with Presidents Cup teammate Robert Allenby at this week’s Australian Masters after their public spat last month.

The two Australians exchanged heated words in a hotel restaurant on their last trip to Australia, confronting each other after a series of public comments.

Allenby had told media some stray shots by Ogilvy contributed to the Presidents Cup defeat, and not just his own 0-4 performance.

Ogilvy then made what was perceived to be a sarcastic remark on Twitter about Allenby’s performance at the Australian PGA Championship the following week, when he lost in a playoff.

Ogilvy said Monday he has not spoken to Allenby since, although Allenby had said he wants to clear the air.

“He left a message on my phone when it was off last night saying he wants to bury the hatchet,” said Ogilvy, who added he never had an issue with Allenby, just with what he said, and that they were still good friends.

Allenby spent a week answering questions at the Presidents Cup about his scoreless record as a captain’s pick, in which he explained that his partners also contributed to the loss. He mentioned Ogilvy’s tee shots into the trees and Retief Goosen missing his share of putts.

Ogilvy said on Twitter the following week when Allenby got into contention at the PGA Championship, “Warms the heart to see Robert playing so well this week.” He later told the media the tweet was genuine, though Allenby interpreted it as being sarcastic.

According to various reports, when the pair confronted each other at the hotel at the end of the PGA Championship, Allenby suggested they take the matter outside and Ogilvy didn’t back down. It ended with Allenby walking away.

Regardless of their relationship, Ogilvy said the ill feeling from last month could be brought to the surface by comments from the gallery at Victoria Golf Club if they play together.

“It could be quite interesting (if we’re playing together),” he said. “I think we’d be professionals and work it out pretty quickly but we might get a few in the gallery that will try to entice us a little bit. It might be quite fun.”