ALLENBY-OGILVY SPAT - ALMOST FISTICUFFS

FROM THE GOLFWEEK WEBSITE

The International team suffered another humbling loss earlier this month at the Presidents Cup, and there could be lingering ramifications for a pair of Australians.

After Sunday’s final round of the Australian PGA, Robert Allenby and Geoff Ogilvy got into a verbal spat that nearly dissolved into a physical altercation, according to published reports in Australia. The incident stemmed from critical comments made last week by Allenby, who claimed that his poor performance at Royal Melbourne – he was the only player on either team who failed to earn a point – was partly because of his partners, including his longtime friend Ogilvy.

Following his opening round at the Australian PGA, Allenby told reporters: “Everyone’s making me look like I’m playing like s--- and then it starts wearing on your mind a little bit, maybe you are. It’s quite draining . . . there was a lot of pressure on me to hit the shots and also make the putts, and it was windy and it was tough conditions.

“It was a combination of a lot of things. People look and say how disappointing can you be, because you didn’t get a point. But when you’re relying on someone else as well, it’s sometimes not all just you. It can be other people hitting you in the s---.”

Ogilvy, the 2006 U.S. Open champion, responded on Twitter, writing, “Warms the heart to see Robert playing so well this week.”

Allenby and Ogilvy exchanged words Sunday at the Hyatt Coolum, where players, caddies and friends were celebrating Greg Chalmers’ playoff victory at the Australian PGA. (Allenby had lost in a playoff.) According to one report, Allenby urged Ogilvy to “step outside and settle it,” and at least one glass was smashed during the dispute before Allenby stormed away.

Allenby’s manager, Tony Bouffler, told the Herald Sun: “All I know is that they have been good mates and I’m sure will continue to be so in the future.”

Both players are scheduled to compete again next month at the Australian Masters

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