Outspoken Rory claims to be misunderstood

Ponte Vedra Beach - South African Rory Sabbatini described himself as a misunderstood figure on the PGA Tour after surging into a share of the lead at the Players Championship on Thursday.

The Durban-born professional, known for his outspoken views, was voted the least popular playing partner by 25 percent of his peers in a poll recently conducted by Sports Illustrated magazine.

"You can look at it and you can let it affect you," Sabbatini told reporters after shooting a five-under-par 67 in strong, gusting winds at the Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass.

"But I know who my friends are out here and those are the guys whose opinions I respect.

"I don't know 25 percent of the guys on Tour, and there are probably 25 percent I wouldn't want to play golf with.

"You can pick your battles but I'm not out here to make friends. I'm out to win golf tournaments.

"I'd say I probably kid 99 percent of the time," added the 31-year-old, who set the first-round pace at Sawgrass with American Phil Mickelson. "Maybe that's why people don't understand me, because it's a dry sense of humour."

Sabbatini sparked controversy at the 2005 Booz Allen Classic by storming ahead of playing partner Ben Crane in a protest over the American's slow play.

He was so frustrated by Crane's progress that he completed the 17th hole before his playing partner had reached the green.

However, that is now a distant memory.

"I don't mind playing golf with Ben any day of the week," the three-times PGA Tour winner said. "Ben is probably one of the most honourable people you'll meet. I enjoy his company and have fun with him."

Sabbatini made the headlines again at last week's Wachovia Championship where he made bullish comments about a final-round duel with Tiger Woods.

The South African held a one-shot lead over the world No 1 going into the last day but dropped back into a tie for third as Woods triumphed.

Despite that experience, Sabbatini described the game's leading player as "more beatable than ever".

"I've seen Tiger when he hits the ball well, and I've seen Tiger when there is not a facet of his game that you're not amazed by," he said.

"Sunday (at the Wachovia) he struggled out there. He had to battle for that win. And I think that made me realise he is as beatable as ever."

Woods opened with a 75 at Sawgrass, his first round on the PGA Tour without a single birdie since the 2003 Masters.

"I've seen him when he figures it out," added Sabbatini. "It's scary. I don't want to see that any more. I like the new Tiger."