Golf: Nick Dougherty criticises tv commentator Peter Alliss comments

May 26 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

NICK DOUGHERTY last night criticised television commentator Peter Alliss for his remarks about the standard of play during the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

The 25-year-old from Liverpool, who as one of the early starters in the third round, found himself watching the BBC’s coverage as the leaders battled with a swirling wind and bumpy greens.

“I thought it was very sad. In fact, I thought it was disgusting,” said Dougherty of Alliss’s criticism.

“He was talking about us being bad putters. I don’t know whether it’s because he has been out of the game for so long, but I didn’t think it was right and he ought to show us more respect.

“I wish we could take him out there and show him how difficult it was. In Match Play week (October) the greens are stunning, but the seeding at this time of year makes the putts wobble about.”

The state of the greens has been debated all week – with Ian Poulter saying he was playing in America because he had never been able to putt well at Wentworth.

During Saturday's broadcast Alliss said: ``We would be doing our viewers a disservice if we didn't attempt to tell them how it is.

“I have great admiration for those who can play and those who can adapt. I realise how difficult it is, perhaps more than most. I have played on courses like this and you have to change tack.”