Top Quotes of 2014, Part II

“No I would not and he’s not going to call and ask... I don’t think he needs a swing coach. If I were advising Tiger I’d tell him, ‘You’re the greatest player that ever lived, just go to the range and hit shots.’” – Harmon, on the possibility of working with Tiger Woods again

“Obviously I’ve made some mistakes and I’m going to make more mistakes as the years go on and hopefully if that’s my worst mistake then I’m doing all right... You’ve got to learn from it. So the guys that wrote articles and my friends that called me out, friends that sent me different quotes, obviously I look up to them and say ‘thank you,’ because that’s how I’m going to get better. That’s how I’m going to get better as a man, better as a husband, better as a dad and last but not least, better as a golfer.” – Watson, after losing his temper on the golf course multiple times

“I’ve been told by my doctors and trainer that my back muscles need to be rehabilitated and healed. They’ve advised me not to play or practice now. I was fortunate that my recent back injury was not related to my surgery and was muscular only. I have already spoken to Tom (Watson) about the Ryder Cup, and while I greatly appreciate his thinking about me for a possible captain’s pick, I took myself out of consideration...” – Woods, on his decision to not participate in the Ryder Cup

“He has gone from the artist to the engineer. It is difficult to watch a Vincent Van Gogh paint by numbers.” - Azinger, on the current state of Tiger’s game.

“I think Rory has an opportunity to win 15 or 20 majors or whatever he wants to do if he wants to keep playing.” - Nicklaus, on McIlroy’s unlimited potential

“I am taking a leave of absence from professional golf, effective immediately. I will use this time to seek professional help for personal challenges I have faced. By committing the time and resources necessary to improve my mental health, physical well-being and emotional foundation, I am confident that I will be better equipped to fulfill my potential and become a consistent champion.” – Johnson, on taking a leave of absence from the PGA Tour that was rumored to be a suspension for a failed drug test

“I didn’t grow up wanting to lead a normal life. I grew up wanting to win major championships.” – McIlroy, after winning the Open Championship

“So who knows if Tiger will even win a 15th major, when you think he’s got to beat the likes of Rory McIlroy and people like that. It will be unbelievable if he can win a 15th major, though. I personally think it will be the greatest achievement in his career if he can win a 15th major.” – Faldo, on Tiger’s pursuit of his 15th major

“Tiger told me when I called Tiger. He didn’t call me. I called him,” – Watson, on Tiger’s decision not to participate in the Ryder Cup

“They’re just getting older… Phil’s 43 (Lefty is 44) and Tiger’s nearly 40 (he will be 39 in December). So they’re getting into the sort of last few holes of their career, and that’s what happens.” – McIlroy, on Tiger and Phil who were absent from the Tour Championship for the first time since 1992

“I am very pleased indeed to announce that the membership of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews has voted overwhelmingly in favour of welcoming women members. More than three quarters of the club’s global membership took part in the ballot, with a decisive 85% voting for women to become members.This vote has immediate effect and I can confirm that The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews is now a mixed membership club.” - Secretary of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, Peter Dawson, on the club’s decision to admit female members

“We all do the best we can and were all trying our hardest. We use the same process in the Presidents Cup and we do really well. Unfortunately we have strayed from a winning formula in 2008 for the last three Ryder Cups and we need to consider maybe getting back to that formula that helped us play our best.” – Mickelson, on his displeasure with the U.S.’s approach to the Ryder Cup

“In response to all of the recent discussion about our Ryder Cup loss, I would like to make a few comments… First, I take complete and full responsibility for my communication, and I regret that my words may have made the players feel that I didn’t appreciate their commitment and dedication to winning the Ryder Cup. My intentions throughout my term as Captain were both to inspire and to be honest.” (1/3)

“Secondly, the guys gave everything. They played their hearts out. I was proud to get to know each and every one of them. I know they are all going to win tournaments, be on future Ryder Cup teams and have wonderful careers.” (2/3)

“As for Phil’s comments, I completely understand his reaction in the moment… Phil’s heart and intentions for our team’s success have always been in the right place. Phil is a great player, has great passion and I admire what he’s done for golf.” (3/3)

“Is being called a “lil girl” meant to be derogatory or a put down? That’s pretty shocking and disappointing, especially coming from the leader of the PGA of America. No further comment.” – Poulter, in response to Ted Bishop’s remarks on social media

“It’s really been a dream season for me. It’s an honor to have my name now etched alongside such amazing players and legends of the game on the list of Rookie of the Year winners.” – Ko, on becoming the youngest Rookie of the Year in LPGA history

“I was introduced to Chris this summer by Notah (Begay), and subsequently we had several good conversations about the golf swing. I’ve worked with him about a month since I started practicing. Chris will consult and work with me during the year.” – Woods, on connecting with his new coach Chris Como

“No major compares to this… Today was exciting. Great people to be around you. I loved it.” – Sifford, on receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom

“I withdrew from today’s pro-am to be with my wife, Justine, who suffered a grand mal seizure (Tuesday) afternoon while in the bathtub… We are really fortunate that she is OK and lucky that I was in the room with her to save her from drowning. I am so grateful to the paramedic team, IMG and the doctors at Naples Community Hospital for their support and care during an extremely difficult time.” – Reed, on his wife Justine suffering a grand mal seizure prior to the Franklin Templeton Shootout