Golfer Robert Allenby has no problems with the "party" hole at this week's Australian golf Open, as long as no one abuses him.
And, surprisingly for a Victorian, he thinks that's less likely in Sydney than Melbourne.
Allenby was heckled by three drunks during the third round of
the Australian Masters at Huntingdale last month and was very dubious about official Paul McNamee's idea of installing a bar at the par-three 11th at the Australian Golf Club this week.
He threatened not to play in Australia again if he was subjected to the same level of abuse. But after finishing a couple under par in yesterday's Pro-Am, the two-time champion was in more sanguine mood.
"I don't have a problem when crowds are loud, but when they are abusive, that's when I draw the line," Allenby said.
"You've got to have some courtesy when players are playing their shots. And as long as they've got someone to try and control the crowds, then that's fine.
"It's a different crowd up here in Sydney as well, definitely a different crowd than down in Melbourne.
"Maybe you guys are a little bit more refined. I think Sydney is ... what would be the word without getting me into too much trouble? The areas around here are a little more subdued. Sophisticated.
"It's not a bad thing to have alcohol on a hole. In America, every second hole there's a tent and you can go buy a bunch of [low alcohol] beers. And they do that. But if they're told to be quiet, they're quiet."
- AAP
