June 24, 2002

BALTIMORE, MD — It's the familiar refrain of Grumpy Old Men: Players these days.  No discipline.  Got things way too easy.

"I think Jay Dilks is the least disciplined player out there," Matt Davis said at a news conference before the Blueberry Hill Golf Classic. "I see some disciplined players out there, but definitely not Jay Dilks.  I haven't seen a score entered since Williamburg."

Davis said many golfers like Dilks are happy to finish second or third.  "I get so (ticked) off at that," he said. "The only person who remembers if you finish second is your wife and your dog -- and that's if you have a good wife and a good dog."

And until other players start winning majors on a consistent basis, Davis said, the Spackler will continue to lack great rivalries.

"Jay Dilks made the statement that he was not going to play in Warren, PA because the courses didn't suit his game," Davis said, drawing a laugh from spectators as he pretended to rub away tears of sympathy.  "He's one of the strongest and best strikers in the game.  I helped nurse him along.  I couldn't believe what I was hearing."

Dilks' attitude wouldn't have cut it in the past, Davis said. In his generation, "Nobody cares what the golf course is -- you take your game and you go play golf."  Jay Dilks is scheduled to play in July.  Hopefully, we can all see some energy from one of our stars.