By DAVID LEGGAT
Greg Turner's bad-hair week just got worse.
Smarting from perceived insults in the shadow of Tiger Woods at the New Zealand Open at Paraparaumu, Turner lost his temper, lost his way - and lost his place in the final two days of the competition.
Ironically, on the day he missed the cut the organisers he had criticised for overcharging and overdoing the Tiger adulation lowered ticket prices for weekend fans.
Instead of having to pay $175 for a day pass, adult spectators who turn up after 1 pm will pay $90 and children under 15 will be charged $10.
Turner's hopes of collecting a third NZ Open title went west after he carded a 72 yesterday to finish at 146 - one shot away from squeezing into the field for the last two days.
Last night, he was at ease with himself.
"It's not the end of the world," he said. "It's fair to say that of all the cuts I've missed in my career, I can't think of one I'd lose less sleep over."
Turner's outburst against Open organisers came after he was shut out of the course shortly before teeing off for his first round on Thursday as security staff prepared for the arrival of Woods, the world No 1.
Woods made heavy going of yesterday's round but flamboyantly birdied the 18th for a two-over 73 to be on 143.
Right on the cut and living to fight another day was 13-year-old Rotorua sensation Jae An, with scores of 71 and 74.
He succeeded while defending champion David Smail, four-time winner Bob Charles and top golfers Matthew Lane, Lucas Parsons and Craig Jones headed home.
Michael Campbell, in with a combined 139, steered clear of the Greg Turner row yesterday.
Campbell, the world No 29 said he knew nothing of Turner's various complaints and took a diplomatic line.
"I've had no problems at all. The security is needed in that this is the world's most recognised athlete and those guys are doing a great job.
"Unfortunately, Greg was caught amongst it. Greg doesn't hold back and said a few things."
