Did the PGA mess-up?
 

Did the PGA mess-up their big tournament?

Let’s look at the chronology:

Likely playoff player 3 is addressed by PGA official after completion of regular play. Looks like the player was told of a possible rules violation.
This appears to be a surprise to player who is now faced with decision .

BUT

Did the player have a free decision, or was he intimidated by the PGA?
Were and are the PGA decisions and intended actions going to be the same regardless of the player’s decision?
Will the PGA put the same effort now into determining if a rule violation, in fact, did take place? I think not now that the player took the penalty.

BUT

What where the players true options. Either take the penalty OR risk an in depth review by the PGA that could result in a TOTAL disqualification for signing an incorrect score card.

No way to look at it other than the PGA messed-up big time.

Bears Thoughts

If you look at the facts rationally, Mark Wilson and the PGA ruled absolutely correctly, and any other ruling would have been irresponsible and not in keeping with the USGA Rules of Golf.

How can anyone say the "PGA messed up big time." This is being chanted all over the web by people who do not have the first clue of what they are speaking.

Kevin

really?
I had not seen the "chanting all over the web".
in facct- I have neither heard nor read anything on the subject.
These are my original thoughts. From my personal observations. (on TV )
BUT
I remain;

The "clueless" Bear

You expressed your opinion, I expressed mine. I have no desire to argue further.

Kevin

I agree with the Ruling that had been posted as the local rules everywhere for the player other than maybe on their bag.


Johnson to Fehrity: Maybe I should have read the Rules a little better!

You can disagree about the local rule but not about the Ruling.

More Quibbleing
 

The issue-to me- is not the rule but the method.
There were 2 options.
1- do not confront the player and leave him to sign his card at his own peril

2- Inform the player AND provide complete and dcisive information as to any rule violation.

The problem is that the player did not seem able to make a informed decision. And I don't think anyone known if a rule was in fact violated. No mater how it is spun.

Dumb rule, no rake and people standing in it mean it is a waste area at best. But, they put it in the rules sheet, Johnson should have seen it or his caddy should have. Kevin is right on, it still stinks though. Kaymer could be the next Bob Goalby.

Perfect, lets do idea number one, let him sign his card, then we'll have to DQ him and cost DJ about $500,000.00. Makes good sense.

#2 is exactly how it was handled, good job there, where is the quibbling and spin?

I agree with Dodger, very tough ruling, but it is what it is. The officials had no choice but to apply the penalty.

Kevin

I did not like the way it played out, but once the official explained their stance, I understood and accepted the decision. I don't like it, but I understand it.
I think it was very fortunate they talked to the competitor prior to his signature on the card. It preserved his place in the event and salvaged very good pay day.

Its all very unfortunate but it played out as it needed to given the local rule.

Its a shame that a design esthetic could contribute to such confusion. The course though entirely man made and perhaps a little over the top in its art direction was spectacular to my North American eye. The inspiration for the bunkering design is not from any man made bunkers but from the work of sheep.


And so, Gents, local rules aside, .........I need a ruling.

This is a course I played a few weeks back , Brora in the north of Scotland. Designed by James Braid , sheep and cows wander the course, the greens are surrounded by electric fences , it has bunkers as we know them and then these ones. Freshly made, this one by the fella at the top of the frame who had been resting in it until I spooked him and he left.

If my ball was to come to rest in this "bunker" ......should I considered it a hazard?

P.S. I know this is beside the point as far as Dustin is concerned but I couldnt help but think back to this course and wonder whether James Braid would have grounded his club.


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