Watery splash proves mixed blessing for Aqua Man Austin

MIAMI (Reuters) - American Woody Austin, dubbed "Aqua Man" after his exploits in a lake at last month's Presidents Cup, has mixed feelings about his raised profile.

Although more people now recognize him away from the course, he would be happier if this was due to his golf rather than his comical watery tumble at Royal Montreal Golf Club.

"I would rather be known for the way I played as opposed to the dive," Austin told reporters on the eve of Thursday's opening round at the Disney Classic in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

"Nobody talks about that, it's just about the dive."

Austin twice ended up in water in a foursomes match against David Toms against Internationals Rory Sabbatini and Trevor Immelman.

Under pressure to match Sabbatini by driving the green at the 14th, Austin pulled his tee shot into the lake lining the hole.

He took off his shoes and socks before slipping on a rock and tumbling forwards into the water while trying to play his second shot. Austin failed to make any contact with the ball before getting totally drenched.

HOLE CONCEDED

The pair conceded the hole to go two down but Austin earned them a half with a storming birdie-birdie-birdie finish.