Matt Fitzpatrick and Thomas Pieters haven't forgotten what Paul Azinger said a few years ago, and the recent Full Swing documentary on Netflix revealed as much.
Back in 2020, Azinger made a comment towards Tommy Fleetwood, who had at the time won five times on the DP World Tour. He called it "that tour," implying that it was an inferior tour to be a part of.
In the documentary, Fitzpatrick said he could win a few on "that tour" after journalist Dan Rapoport joked that he couldn't handle it. Fitzpatrick and Pieters were in their rental home at the time.
Back in 2020, Azinger said this via Golf Monthly:
"A lot of pressure you know, you're trying to prove to everybody you've got what it takes and these guys know you can win all you want on that European Tour, the international game and all that, but you have to win on the PGA Tour."
He also said in the booth:
"Two wins on the PGA Tour but he's like 'oh I've won 44 times all over the world' but it's not the PGA Tour though."
Most DP World Tour members took exception to his comments, and that included Pieters and Fitzpatrick, who clearly did not forget the dig.
Rory McIlroy's explosive comments on Full Swing
The Full Swing documentary on Netflix has been a huge success. Many fans are appreciative of the inside look they get at the game of golf, especially during such a crucial time for the sport.
Rory McIlroy has made a few explosive comments via Full Swing on Netflix. He has never been shy about his pure disdain for LIV Golf and one episode of the series showcased that to great effect.
McIlroy reflected on his personal war with LIV:
"This is the first year that I've been on the PGA Tour board. Sometimes I think, 'what a time to get involved in all this stuff!' with everything that's happening in the professional game."
He continued, adding that he still believes that what he's done is in the best interest of the game of golf:
"It's been contentious at times and I have maybe leaned into that part of it a little too much, and made it a little too personal in my mind. But I feel like what some people have done has affected the rest of the profession. I'm just trying to defend what I think is right."
His anger has been directed at a few players recently, such as Phil Mickelson (who he spoke about in the documentary) and Patrick Reed.
This documentary has done a fantastic job giving viewers an inside look at golf. It has never been a more important time for the sport and the things that happen now are going to have an effect on the distant future of the sport.
Fortunately, fans are seeing it all unfold and getting a good look at everything. Sides may eventually have to be taken, and documentaries like this are showing the sides fans have to choose from.