Just shut it

Perhaps one of these days, Rory Sabbatini will learn what it takes to become a real professional - not just play professional golf, but learn how to act professionally as well. Or maybe just learn to not call out the greatest golfer on the planet. Didn't he learn anything from Stephen Ames?

After saying Tiger had only won three tournaments so far this year (Sabbatini has won 4 times since turning pro in 1998), he said Tiger looks "as beatable as ever" and that he "likes the new Tiger". Tiger then dismantled him on Sunday, starting the day one stroke back and finishing 8 strokes ahead, winning the WGC-Bridgstone Invitational again.

Sabbatini is no stranger to making an arse out of himself, but one thought he may have learned a lesson in humility and professionalism after his tantrum while playing with Beaverton's own Ben Crane two years ago. You may remember, Sabbatini was irked by Crane's slow play, and finished the 17th hole at The Booz Allen without waiting for his playing partner. After the round, Crane was nothing if not diplomatic, accepting what he thought was his part of the blame for the fiasco.

That came as no surprise to me. Ben and I grew up in the same neighborhood. We played youth soccer together for years. We went on church youth group missions together. Through all of the years I've known Ben, he truly is a genuine, humble person, even in the face of someone who is not.

Mr. Sabbatini, my only hope is that someday you will learn your lesson and keep your mouth shut. After all, golf is supposed to be a gentleman's game. Apparently, somebody forgot to tell you that.

But for now, to borrow a line from Seinfeld, "The jerk store called, and they're running out of you!"