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Turner miffed over Tiger traffic jam Posted: Thursday January 10, 2002 12:40 AMUpdated: Thursday January 10, 2002 1:15 AM
PARAPARAUMU BEACH, New Zealand (AP) -- Two-time New Zealand Open champion Greg Turner had a run-in with tournament officials Thursday after his car was rerouted to clear the way for Tiger Woods' arrival. Turner, the New Zealander who threatened to boycott the event over increased ticket prices due to Woods' appearance, and other players were delayed entering the courses and forced to use a side road. "I've never been madder in my entire life than I was when I arrived," said Turner, who lodged an official complaint with the Australasian tour. "Why the whole rest of the world has got to stop. ... I understand the need for security but for goodness sake, you've got players in an official car just trying to play. "In 18 years of professional golf I don't think I've ever played in a tournament where the players have been treated worse than this week. I've never been more insulted." Turner opened with a 3-over 74, while Woods shot a 71. "I'd sort of hoped that in New Zealand we might have a little bit of perspective than other places, that Tiger might get treated like a normal human being. But it's actually worse," Turner said.
"It's not his fault. It's hard not to sound like you're getting at him but he's got nothing to do with it. He's here playing golf. If you're having a tournament the other guys have got to be allowed to do their job." Tournament managing director David Pool said he understood Turner's frustration. "I can understand -- golfers are like any other athlete, just before you're ready to perform you're pretty charged up," Pool said. "That decision was made by the police for a security reason but I can't do anything about that. It was regrettable it occurred just as he was coming in the gate. Everyone's seen the security presence and understands the reasons for it."
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