I'm sure a few of you reading this are big soccer fans. This Friday you'll be at work, knocking out a few reports and spreadsheets while the World Cup kicks off. You'll most likely be antsy, ready to get out of the office so you can be home for the weekend and catch some of the better matches.

Imagine you just decided that on Friday you weren't going to work. Instead of calling in sick, you email your boss, "You know sir, I'd rather watch soccer than be at work. Have a good weekend!"

You, sir, are Nathan Green, a PGA Tour player who won the Canadian Open a year ago. Green finished tied for 41st at last week's Memorial and was set to qualify for the U.S. Open on Monday, along with a week at the St. Jude Classic. Green bagged on both, telling a reporter that he'd rather watch soccer than play golf. Seriously.

“I’m really not that interested in playing it,” Green said. “I’d rather sit home on the couch and watch soccer than beat my head against a brick wall for four days.”

Ahh, the tough life of a millionaire professional golfer. You know, playing four rounds for a purse of $5.6 million probably wouldn't interest me either.

[Photos: See the hunks of the World Cup]

To be fair to Green, the beauty of professional golf is that you are your own independent contractor, and picking and choosing events is a courtesy you're allowed, but at least lie to us.

Green's comments landed two reactions, the first from a USGA official and the second from a professional caddie working the event.

"What’s so difficult about this? You play golf for a living, so play golf," he said.

And from a veteran PGA Tour caddie whose player was on hand, but in need of a blistering afternoon round to advance, there was this: "We talked about it this morning and couldn’t believe (the guys who didn’t show up). Let’s face it, it proves some of these guys make too much money."

Either way, don't expect too much of Green the next two weeks. He will be hanging out on his couch, hoping the Aussies can get out of Group D.

The purses are so big, now, that a 41st place finish is probably worth significantly more than I make in a year. And if they have a tournament win, the endorsement money is probably equal or bigger that what they can win. (Vis-a-vis Tiger.) Ergo, some of these guys just cherry pick what events they want to play so long as they can make enough prize money to make a comfortable living.
That said, doesn't sound to me like there's much competitive fire and personal pride of accomplishment in a guy like that.
My 2c
Tele

I agree with ya Tom.something has to change or some of these tournaments are not going to survive. Do they need a rule that says a pro has to play in a tournament every 3 years? i think they might. the pros would not like it but oh well. They need to look at the survival of the golden goose or it might die.
As for Nathan Green and soccer,I got news for him I would rather watch paint dry, grass grow and watch the wind blow than watch a soccer game but that is just me. lol i cant stand that sport.


Gary

There has been lots of talk of the 3 year rule but until his regalness buys into it, not going to happen. But that just might be the PR thing he needs to get back into good graces.
Watched lots of the WC in Mexico while there, a lot different outlook on the game there. Wierd tv schedule, it wasn't on espn, but the us open was!

Note for self: DO not take Nathan Green in Fantasy golf, he has no desire to play let alone compete.