Cedar, I think you are right on. Along with Sergio's hot play he has 'gamesmanship' as they like to call it (psyching, distracting, and even trash talking the opponent). If you don't think it happens at the PGA level you should listen nearby at one of the tournaments. It's just not loud or obvious, as in the NBA for example. And Sergio comes from Spain where his fellow countryman, golfing great Seve Balesteros, is considered the best distractive 'gamesman' among PGA players.

As for recreational golf, that is full of this kind of stuff of course. My teenage son and I always have talked trash during basketball play. It has carried over to the golf course. I think it makes for a more fun game of golf - within reason. No 'accidently' dropping your bag of clubs during an important tee shot backswing like my friend Mike Kelly does ocassionally (not the guide MK). Otherwise it's fun.

RT