[...] While discussing the Presidents Cup clash between American and International golfers, scheduled for South Africa in November, [Greg] Norman said it was the responsibility of all leading US players to commit to the event.

But mid-sentence he switched to global politics, saying: "The Stars and Stripes are not very popular, which is sad. When you are on top everyone likes throwing stones at you. Australia has been dragged into it.

"We've been side by side with the Americans in every war America has fought. We are great, loyal allies. It is what Australia has to do. Wherever America goes, Australia is going to be with it, a la Bali. We should be there [in Iraq], absolutely ... we have to be with them.

"We have a lot of what democratic society gives us, our freedom of speech. If we lose that ..." he said tailing off, perhaps himself wondering how the subject had gone from golf to the Middle East crisis.