Michelson's actions were simply cheating

Let me first say that I have always liked and rooted for Phil Michelson in the past. He had always shown himself to be a true ambassador of the game of golf. But after seeing what he did on Saturday, June 16, I have lost all respect for him.

His explanation for why he did what he did was ridiculous. He admitted he wanted to prevent his ball from running off of the green. So he ran after it and hit it back to the hole while it was still moving.

The game of golf has always been about integrity and the spirit of the game. His actions were a complete disgrace to the game of golf. There is no other way to look at what he did other than to just say it. He cheated.

He did not want to take his lumps on an extremely difficult golf course and decided he would make up the rules to best suit himself. He said he knew what he was doing. I guess that means he knew he was cheating but didn't care - because he is lovable Phil and everyone will just overlook it.

There is a huge difference between using the rules to your advantage and taking advantage of the rules. The USGA officials were also spineless in not taking the correct action that was required, most likely again due to his popularity.

He should have been disqualified on the spot for disrespecting the game.

Could you even imagine Arnold or Jack ever thinking about doing this? No, never.

The fact that he was not even sorry for his actions and defiant makes it even worse. In my book, Phil will now always be known simply as a cheater.

Ed Lawdan

Mundelein