Geoff Ogilvy and Robert Allenby
MELBOURNE, Australia - Geoff Ogilvy says it could be "quite interesting" if he's paired with Presidents Cup teammate Robert Allenby this week in the Australian Masters after their public spat last month.
The Melbourne natives exchanged heated words in a hotel restaurant on their last trip to Australia, confronting each other after a series of public comments.
"It could be quite interesting," Ogilvy said Monday. "If think we'd be professionals and work it out pretty quickly but we might get a few in the gallery that will try to entice us a little bit. It might be quite fun."
Last month, Allenby spent a week answering questions about his 0-4 record as a captain's pick, in which he explained that his partners also contributed to the loss. He mentioned Ogilvy's tee shots into the trees and Retief Goosen missing his share of putts.
Ogilvy said on Twitter when Allenby got into contention at the Australian PGA, "Warms the heart to see Robert playing so well this week." Ogilvy later told the media the tweet was genuine, though Allenby interpreted it as being sarcastic.
When they confronted each other in the hotel at the end of the week, according to various reports, Allenby suggested they take the matter outside and Ogilvy didn't back down. It ended with Allenby walking away.
Ogilvy said Monday he has not spoken to Allenby since, although Allenby left a phone message.
"He left a message on my phone when it was off last night saying he wants to bury the hatchet," said Ogilvy, who added he never had an issue with Allenby, just with what he said, and that they are still good friends.
The Australian Masters opens Thursday at Victoria Golf Club.
Greg Chalmers, the Australian Open and Australian PGA winner last month, is trying to become the second player to complete the Australian Triple Crown. Allenby accomplished the feat in 2005.
Top-ranked Luke Donald, the first player to sweep money titles on the PGA Tour and European Tour, is in the field along with fellow English player Ian Poulter and Italian teen star Matteo Manassero.