Ticking Time Bomb of Twitter

There’s no denying the value and enjoyment that millions of people draw from the phenomenon that is Twitter, and whether your feed of choice on the social network is from your local club, your members, famous golfers, celebrities, or friends, it’s increasingly seen as the only way to keep your finger truly on the pulse.  In the golfing world, 2013 provided some highlights and lowlights on the social media channel that I thought I’d share with you.

Highlight
The delightful trending sensation of #Dufnering was my particular favourite of the year, where the hapless Jason Dufner was snapped looking rather jaded in a slumped pose on the floor of his child’s school (see photo). Although not quite on the same level as ‘planking’, the craze that grew from this one photograph was enough to go viral in the sporting world, and undoubtedly enough to suitably embarrass the soon-to-be 2014 US PGA Champion.

Low Point

At the other end of the scale, Steve Elkington (who is controversial at the best of times), managed to twice cause great offence with some horribly ill-judged comments about the city of Southport, and more recently in relation to the Glasgow helicopter crash. I won’t repeat what he said, but Elkington was rightly lambasted from all sides on both occasions. Quite what he was thinking by sharing such heinous thoughts with the world is beyond comprehension.

Splitting Opinion

Sadly, there wouldn’t be Twitter without the trolls, and after a particularly frustrating final round display for Lee Westwood at the US PGA Championship, the Englishman made the divisive (and perhaps alcohol fuelled) decision to fight back against a few faceless keyboard warriors that had given him harsh criticism. Granted, having your best efforts abused by a minority of idiots on a regular basis must be particularly grating, but I can’t help thinking that if you do feel the need to have a pop back, there are ways to do it.  Highlighting how much money you’ve earned isn’t going to endear yourself to the majority of followers who loyally support him in his quest to win that elusive Major.  Instead, Lee only succeeded in coming across as a little conceited.  Westwood duly apologised, and although in private he might stand by his comments, from a PR perspective it didn’t do him any good at all.

And on similar lines, Ian Poulter has flirted with danger on Twitter, too. In fairness, he is probably one of the more interesting of golfing characters on the social network, and indeed his number of followers reflects that. His tweets are honest, obviously from him (as opposed to his management company), and insightful. However, there are occasions when the overt flashes of wealth are a little out of touch with the average Joe. Poulter defends the countless pictures of private jets, Ferraris, expensive watches, etc, by saying that it’s an attempt to inspire people into achieving what he has by working hard. That’s all well and good, Mr Poulter, but it overlooks the fact that millions of people work incredibly hard and won’t ever be able to dream of such luxuries.  Golf is a ludicrously well-rewarded sport for the highest performers and achieving what he has on a golf course takes a lot more than just hard work – you have to be incredibly gifted at the same time. Luckily for him, and for the European Ryder Cup team, Poulter is that gifted.  He should just refrain from rubbing people’s noses in it, no matter how well-intentioned.

Still, I take heart from the fact that if he hasn’t already, I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before he appears on the @HumbleBrag twitter feed!  Perhaps that will suitably embarrass him.

2014

Another ticking time bomb will probably explode in the golfing world in 2014, and if you want a front row seat to the action, then start following some of the volatile characters on the Tour and elsewhere in the golfing world. Some are honest and not afraid to ruffle a few feathers, and undoubtedly provide an insight that can’t be matched anywhere else. Others, like me @iSpyGolfPro, even promise absolutely no pictures of my Ferrari garage!