News
Woods assessed 2-shot penalty for illegal drop
Tiger Woods, the favorite at this year’s Masters Tournament, has been assessed a two-shot penalty for an illegal drop he took in the second round on Augusta’s 15th hole.
Woods third shot on the hole, a par 5 with a water hazard in front of the green, hit the flagstick on the fly, causing it to ricochet into the water hazard.
Woods had three options after his ball entered the water hazard, which was a yellow-staked hazard (not lateral):
- Replay his shot from “as close as possible” from the original location.
- Drop a ball behind the water hazard, keeping the spot where the ball crossed the hazard between the hole and the spot where the ball was dropped.
- Play from the designated drop area.
Woods chose not to play from the designated drop area, but rather to drop his ball two yards behind the original location of his shot — a decision he discussed with ESPN’s Tom Rinaldi after the round.
Because Woods’ ball last crossed the hazard on a different line than where his ball originally crossed the hazard, Woods’ drop — two yards behind the original spot — was illegal.
[youtube id=”lBkqzBFA3qE” width=”620″ height=”360″]
Instead of disqualifying Woods, or Woods removing himself from the tournament, Masters rules officials have assessed Woods a two-shot penalty under a clause that gives rules officials discretion over infractions committed after a player has signed his card.
Click here to read the official statement from Masters Tournament headquarters.
Tiger took to twitter to make his own statement known at 11: 55 a.m. EST in a series of five tweets.
At hole #15, I took a drop that I thought was correct and in accordance with the rules. I was unaware at that time I had violated any rules.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 13, 2013
I didn’t know I had taken an incorrect drop prior to signing my scorecard. Subsequently, I met with the Masters Committee Saturday morning..
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 13, 2013
was that there was no violation, butthey had additional concerns based on my post-round interview. After discussing the situation…
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 13, 2013
…with them this morning, I was assessed a two-shot penalty. I understand and accept the penalty and respect the Committees’ decision.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 13, 2013
and was advised they had reviewed the incident prior to the completion of my round. Their initial determination…
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 13, 2013
Tiger Woods will begin his third round at 1:45 p.m. EST. He is now 1-under (instead of 3-under for the tournament), five shots back of leader Jason Day.
Click here to see what people are saying in the “Tour Talk” forum.
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Brazil and Texas were kindred souls this week, at least when it came to weather. Both regions experienced torrential delays, and three tournaments were held up. The LPGA, PGA Tour Americas, and PGA Tour Champions were compelled to reduce play or work extra holes into Sunday. As if that weren’t enough, South Carolina and the PGA Tour fell victim to nature’s wrath, with lightning postponing the conclusion of the event to Monday.
The year’s first women’s major championship was celebrated in Texas. The Chevron is gaining a bit of tradition in its second year after relocation. This year’s event culminated in the continued coronation of the game’s current best. The Korn Ferry Tour saw a top-twenty performance from a 15-year old amateur, while the second event of the week on the big tour found a winner in the Dominican Republic. Six events is more than a handful, so let’s get right to it, with this week’s (delayed) Tour Rundown.
LPGA @ Chevron Championship: Korda corrals second major title
The winter of 2022-2023 seems so distant for current Nelly Korda. A mysterious ailment sapped all of her energy, just as the world appeared to have finally emerged from the pandemic. We never quite secured the complete information that we desired, but no one can say that any of us deserved to know more than Nelly wished to share. One thing is for certain: Nelly Korda has returned to top form, and the world number one golfer is at least one level above anyone else on tour.
Korda began her 2024 campaign with a January victory in the Drive One Championship. In her next start, in March, she continued her assault on the record books, with a win at the Se Ri Pak. She won again the following week, at the Ford, then defeated Leona Maguire in the final match at the T-Mobile Match Play, for a fourth consecutive victory. Would the increased hype around a major championship have an impact on her game? Well, no.
Korda began play at the Chevron Championship with a score of 68. She trailed Lauren Coughlin by two after 18 holes, but caught her with a second-round 69. Coughlin would ultimately tie for third spot with Brooke Henderson. Henderson played with Korda on day four, but the middle third of the round was her undoing. Making a late move was Maja Stark. House Stark closed with birdies at 17 and 18 to reach 11 under par. Both Korda and Strak played the final three days in identical numbers: 69 each day.
Korda held a firm hand on the tournament over the course of the final day. She stood minus-four for the round through ten holes, before a bit of sloppy play made things competitive again. Bogeys at 11 and 15 opened the door a wee bit for Stark. Korda was equal to the test, however, and closed stylishly with birdie at 18.
Safely around the green on the 72nd hole
Watch @NellyKorda‘s historic finish now on NBC! pic.twitter.com/1zaAYtbaCz
— LPGA (@LPGA) April 21, 2024
PGA Tour 1 @ RBC: Scottie, so hottie!
Nelly isn’t the only golfer on fire, although Scottie Scheffler still has a ways to go to match her. Scheffler proved this week that he has a game for all courses. After winning comfortably at lengthy Augusta National, Scheffler shifted gears and game to the wee Sea Pines course, and won again. That’s two weeks in a row for the man from New Jersey/Texas, so let’s learn how he did it.
Scheffler totaled 69 on day one, and found himself six shots behind leader J.T. Poston. Scheffler revealed that his teacher, Randy Smith, would tell him that he didn’t need to be the best 15 year-old; just the best 25 year-old. It was easy, then, to play the long game and consider all 72 holes, instead of just 18. Scheffler improved to 65 on Friday, and then went even lower on Saturday. His 63 moved him to the top of the board, and caused the golfverse to wonder if Scheffler would win for a second consecutive week.
Sunday saw all the chasers fall away. Scores between 70 and 72 from Patrick Rodgers, Collin Morikawa, and Sepp Straka meant that others would need to seize the day, if Scheffler were to do more than coast. Wyndham Clark and Justin Thomas each moved inside the top five with fourth-round 65s, but no one ever got close enough to the world number one. The win was Scheffler’s 10th on tour, and made him the betting favorite for next month’s PGA Championship at Valhalla.
Scottie Scheffler can save par from just about anywhere.
Including the water ?
(Presented by @CDWCorp) pic.twitter.com/RUqL2sBrr9
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 22, 2024
PGA Tour 2 @ Corales Puntacana: Baton Boy claims 8th Tour triumph
If you’ve ever seen Billy Horschel toss a club, you know that he doesn’t do so in anger. More likely is a calculated, soaring arc, paired with a look of fractured disbelief, followed by a quick catch of the cudgel. Ergo, Baton Boy. This week on the island of Hispaniola, the native of Grant, Florida, outworked and outhustled everyone else on Sunday. Horschel gathered seven birdies and an eagle, on the way to a 63 and a 23-under par total.
The former Florida Gator zipped past the four golfers in front of him, and left the remaining field in the rear-view mirror. Horschel’s round was two shots better than anyone else, and moved him two shots ahead of third-round leader Wesley Bryan. One of the famed Bryan Brothers, Wes closed with birdie at the last to post a 68 that would have won the week on any other day.
Walking it in with a fist pump ?@BillyHo_Golf is 9-under on the day and leads by two @CoralesChamp. pic.twitter.com/N6rjL1GGGA
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 21, 2024
Korn Ferry Tour @ LeCom Suncoast: It’s Widing in extra holes
Miles Russell probably won’t have to serve detention for ditching class on Thursday and Friday. The high school freshman made his KFT debut, survived the 36-hole cut, and toyed with a top-ten finish. He ultimately tied for 20th at 14-under par, six shots behind the three co-leaders. My guess is that Epstein’s Mom will write him a note, and he’ll get a pass. By finishing top-25, Russell earned a spot in next week’s event. Yikes!
Back to the top of the board. Patrick Cover, Steven Fisk, and Tim Widing all found their way to the magic number of -20. Fisk made birdie at the last, after bogeys at 16 and 17. Cover had three bogeys on the back nine, but a birdie at 14 was enough to get him to overtime. Widing was plus-one on the day through four, but played interstellar golf over the final 14. Six birdies moved him from Russell-ville to extra time.
The trio scurried to the 18th tee, where Cover drove into a fairway bunker. He was unable to reach the green with his approach, made bogey, and exited the overtime session. Widing and Fisk returned to the final deck once more, and matters were resolved. Fisk was unable to convert a long par putt, and Widing (pronounced VEE-ding) tapped in for his first KFT title.
The feeling of relief when you know you won. ???
Tim Widing is now a champion on the #KornFerryTour. pic.twitter.com/K0vgiZ21UG
— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) April 21, 2024
PGA Tour Americas @ Brasil Open: Mr. Anderson finds a way
Golf is a funny game. Matthew Anderson held a lead with one round to play. He made six pars on Sunday, and sprinkled the rest of his card with birdies and bogeys. In complete contrast, Ollie Osborne played consistently on the day, posting four birdies and zero bogeys. Connor Godsey was not far off Osborne’s pace, with seven birdies and but two bogeys on the scorecard. So, of course, Matthew Anderson won by a stroke over Osborne and Godsey.
Not how, but how many, is another one of those platitudes that we all learn early on. Despite five bogeys through his first 14 holes, Anderson summoned the defiant grit to make birdie at the 71st and 72nd holes. After making deuce at the penultimat hole, Anderson’s swerving effort at the last looked as if it should miss low, but it had enough pace to stay inside the hole and fall for a closing four at the par-five finisher.
Birdie-birdie finish to secure the ?
Mississauga-native Matthew Anderson is your 69th ECP Brazil Open Champion. pic.twitter.com/ONE8hIUjeS
— PGA TOUR Americas (@PGATOURAmericas) April 21, 2024
PGA Tour Champions @ Invited Celebrity: Broadhurst stands tall
What do you call a tournament that begins on Friday, takes Saturday off, and finishes on Sunday? Fortunate is one adjective to use. A weather system moved through Texas this weekend, and made a mess of things in Irving. After Thomas Bjorn signed for 64 on day one, rain and all things counter-productive moved through the Las Colinas resort, ensuring that Saturday would be nothing more than a rest day. When Sunday arrived, conditions had improved, and the game was on. Bjorn was unable to preserve his Friday magic, although he did record a 70 for -8. He finished in a third-place tie with Y.E. Yang.
David Toms, the 2001 PGA Championship victor, presented Sunday’s low round, and moved to 10-under par. Toms made one mistake on the day. He lived in the rough on the 9th hole, ultimately making bogey. The rest of the day was immaculate, as seven birdies came his way, resulting in a six-under par 65. Only one golfer was able to surpass Toms, and that was Paul Broadhurst.
Broadhurst nearly matched Toms for daily honors. His mistake came early, with bogey at the second. He bounced back with eagle at the third, and added three more birdies for 66 and 11-under par. Over his first three seasons on the Tour Champions, Broadhurst won five times, including two major titles. His fifth win came in 2018, making this win his first in six years. A long time coming, for sure, but well earned.
Looking at the hole is working for @PBroadhurstGolf ?
He leads by one after a clutch birdie on 15 @InvitedCC. pic.twitter.com/S0rhcVwaeE
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) April 21, 2024
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GolfWRX is on site this week at Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island for the RBC Heritage. Plenty of golfers who competed in the Masters last week will be making the quick turnaround in the Lowcountry of South Carolina as the Heritage is again one of the Tour’s Signature Events.
We have general albums for you to check out, as well as plenty of WITBs — including Justin Thomas and Justin Rose.
We’ll continue to update as more photos flow in from SC.
Check out links to all our photos, below.
General Albums
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Monday #1
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Monday #2
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Tuesday #1
- 2024 RBC Heritage – Tuesday #2
WITB Albums
- Justin Thomas – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Justin Rose – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Chandler Phillips – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Nick Dunlap – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Thomas Detry – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Austin Eckroat – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Xander Schauffele – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Jason Day – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Will Zalatoris – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Patrick Cantlay – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Ludvig Aberg – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Collin Morikawa – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Sam Burns – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Stephen Jaeger – WITB – 2024 RBC Heritage
Pullout Albums
- Wyndham Clark’s Odyssey putter – 2024 RBC Heritage
- JT’s new Cameron putter – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Justin Thomas testing new Titleist 2 wood – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Cameron putters – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Odyssey putter with triple track alignment aid – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Scotty Cameron The Blk Box putting alignment aid/training aid – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Cameron putter – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Odyssey Ai One Eleven T putters – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Christian Bezuidenhout – testing new Callaway Ti 340 mini driver – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Rory McIlroy testing the new TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver Copper – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Xander Schauffele testing the Callaway Ti 340 mini driver & the DUW – 2024 RBC Heritage
- Byeong Hun An, two new L.A.B. Golf putter builds with “T” alignment – 2024 RBC Heritage
See what GolfWRXers are saying and join the discussion in the forums.
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Dave Portnoy places monstrous outright bet for the 2024 Masters
John Daly stuns fans into silence with brutal opening tee shot on PGA Tour Champions
Things got heated at the Houston Open between Tony Finau and Alejandro Tosti. Here’s why
Tiger Woods arrives at 2024 Masters equipped with a putter that may surprise you
‘Absolutely crazy’ – Major champ lays into Patrick Cantlay over his decision on final hole of RBC Heritage
Report: Tiger Woods has ‘eliminated sex’ in preparation for the 2024 Masters
Two star names reportedly blanked Jon Rahm all week at the Masters
2-time major champ announces shock retirement from the sport at age of 33
Report: LIV Golf identifies latest star name they hope to sign to breakaway tour
Neal Shipley presser ends in awkward fashion after reporter claims Tiger handed him note on 8th fairway
Sam Burns WITB 2024 (April)
Sam Burns’ what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage. Driver: Callaway Paradym Triple Diamond S (9 degrees...
Will Zalatoris WITB 2024 (April)
Will Zalatoris’ what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage. Driver: Titleist TSR2 (9 degrees, A1 SureFit setting)...
Scottie Scheffler’s winning WITB: 2024 RBC Heritage
Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (8 degrees @8.25) Buy here. Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 7 X (45 inches) 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 (15 degrees) Buy...
Nelly Korda’s winning WITB: 2024 Chevron Championship
Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 Max (10.5 degrees) Buy here. Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana GT 60 S 3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (15 degrees)...
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19th Hole2 weeks agoDave Portnoy places monstrous outright bet for the 2024 Masters
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19th Hole2 weeks agoTiger Woods arrives at 2024 Masters equipped with a putter that may surprise you
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19th Hole19 hours ago‘Absolutely crazy’ – Major champ lays into Patrick Cantlay over his decision on final hole of RBC Heritage
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19th Hole3 weeks agoReport: Tiger Woods has ‘eliminated sex’ in preparation for the 2024 Masters
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19th Hole1 week agoTwo star names reportedly blanked Jon Rahm all week at the Masters
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19th Hole7 days agoReport: LIV Golf identifies latest star name they hope to sign to breakaway tour
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19th Hole1 week agoNeal Shipley presser ends in awkward fashion after reporter claims Tiger handed him note on 8th fairway
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19th Hole6 days agoBrandel Chamblee has ‘no doubt’ who started the McIlroy/LIV rumor and why
Olivier
May 2, 2013 at 10:48 am
You know what I dont get? Tiger literally hit the flagstick… This means that the line of the flagstick, the point where his ball crossed the water hazard AND the point from where he played his third shot on hole 15 is exactly the same line as the line on which he can drop his ball behind the water hazard and moving back as much as he wants?
Is this a stupid question or should Tiger not have been penalized at all??
Brian
Apr 14, 2013 at 8:12 am
The committee made the ruling, they reviewed it later, after Peres conference and a call in they reviewed it more. These crazy runs are hard enough to keep straight, and they needed all this help and more hours to interpret. Yet, Tiger is to make the decision that moment. Committee made the decision, I don’t agree with Brandle, I agree with Frank Nobilo. He’s the correct one. Shame the master for not having rules officials with each group. The smallest major field and the they do not have outside rules officials.
The penalty has been issued but there is one solution to satisfy me, GO EL ‘ PATO!!!
Ryan
Apr 13, 2013 at 10:37 pm
He didn’t know he broke a rule. Rule 33-7 leaves it up to the commitee to call BS on whether he knew or didn’t know he was breaking a rule. They didnt call BS on him. Done.
Dave
Apr 13, 2013 at 8:23 pm
And if it were anyone else they would have been DQ’d in a heart beat.. total BS.
Poop Squirrel
Apr 13, 2013 at 7:41 pm
C’mon Tiger, New life baby! 66 to win it tomorrow!
Ryan
Apr 13, 2013 at 6:19 pm
I hope Tiger wins just to rile up the naysayers even more.
Ryan
Apr 13, 2013 at 6:17 pm
Well said Suge.
Shug Avery
Apr 13, 2013 at 1:41 pm
Third party complaints exist and this situation proves it. There was a rule violation and a penalty was assessed, an exception was granted per the rules. There is support from the players of the application of these rules. If Tiger goes on to win he did so playing and beating the field. He is deemed eligible to compete per the governing body. Guan’s penalty is a bigger tragedy.
Andre
Apr 13, 2013 at 3:39 pm
Well said shug! And for those who keep talking about the post round interview and tigers comments. He clearly says he moved back to yards, but it was cause he thought he was acting under the rules that he could move back. Not in the intent to cheat. Even the Davis ferehty was commentating, and was unsure on this options. And you can clearly hear as he speaking. It wasn’t intentional, but of course if he does happen to win. There will be those who think he didn’t deserve to be there.
Bob S
Apr 13, 2013 at 5:45 pm
Now lets see….”he clearly says he moved back to yards, but it was cause he thought he was acting under the rules….”. 1) I have not seen on any post interviews, or for that matter any interviews where Tiger is quoted as making this statement. 2) The last time i checked, it is the golfers responsibility to know precisely the rules of golf….esp at this level! 3) As to intent….Tiger specifically stated he moved back 2yds to accommodate the flight pattern of upcoming shot he wanted to hit. As to final outcome and “rules committee” opinion….you be the judge!!
Brian
Apr 13, 2013 at 1:29 pm
I think the game of golf as a whole needs to be simplified. The fact that the USGA rulebook reads like the tax code and that a rules official is needed for each group of experienced professional players in a tournament tells me it’s time the whole thing needs to be reevaluated.
shark
Apr 13, 2013 at 1:16 pm
Maybe Tiger should be DQ’d but I would like to ask the question why is Vijay Singh playing in the masters after admitting to taking drugs, no DQ for Vijay. Seems like golf is full of double standards…
LObin
Apr 13, 2013 at 12:37 pm
Can someone explain me why the ball didn’t cross the hazard on the same line? Because he moved back a couple of yards and was coming on an angle? Seriously?!? The 2nd ball landed whithin 10 feet of the 1st ball landing spot (the flag).
What happens if he drops the ball in the same spot where he hit his 1st shot from but pushes the ball 20 feet to the right? It wouldn’t cross on the same line either…
Gary Ward
Apr 13, 2013 at 12:54 pm
Lobin the rule is where the ball last crossed the margin i.e where it crossed AFTER it hit the flag i.e way to the left of the point he played from, he considered that apparently but the lie would have been terrible. The rule is the ball must be dropped on a straight line keeping the point the ball last crossed the margin of the hazard and the flag. It doesn’t mean the next time you hit it that it has to cross the same point 🙂
LObin
Apr 13, 2013 at 12:25 pm
Mario, I’ve been reading your comments and I strongly disagree. Refering to the Dustin Johnson’s incident isn’t a good comparaison. Dustin wasn’t DQied. He was assigned a 2 stroke penalty before signing his card, which put him outside of a playoff with Kaymer and Watson. And his case is totally different since he thought it wasn’t a hazard because of all the fans stepping in the “bunker”. Poor job by the rule official and poor job by his caddy (Tiger’s caddie…).
When that whole sad story happened, the rule 33-7 didn’t exist. Now it does. Should he withdraw because other golfers in the past, prior to the 33-7 rule, got DQied? Eeehhhh… NO!
AND, the rules official reviewed the play before Tiger signed his card and declared there was no penalty. I read that they changed there mind after someone called because after hearing Tiger’s comment on the play.
Andre
Apr 13, 2013 at 12:24 pm
Since we are “following the rules” let dq all the player who have won with long anchored putter! That following the rules!
Gary Ward
Apr 13, 2013 at 12:49 pm
The point is that is not a rule, so they haven’t broken it. Tiger broke a very simple rule that anyone who plays golf should know then admitted that it was his intention to do so on TV.
Bob S
Apr 13, 2013 at 2:07 pm
And Gary is absolutely correct; Tiger indicted himself w/the post round interview….clearly stating what his thinking was PRIOR to the 5th shot. He is on record as wanting to give himself an additional 2yds with the drop for execution of the upcoming shot. Now…determining the facts, and putting timing of those facts in conjunction w/intent of the player….that becomes the essence of this discussion.
Kevin
Apr 13, 2013 at 12:14 pm
I never liked the idea of being dq’ed for something you did not know you did wrong, but there is no precedent for how this 2-shot penalty was handed down instead of a dq. A rule is a rule for a 14-year old kid, but Tiger apparently is bigger than golf and gets treated differently.
i.p.
Apr 13, 2013 at 12:04 pm
If Tiger is not disqualified at this event, then Roberto De Vincenzo should have won the Masters in his times instead of being disqualified for signing a wrong scorecard.
Really a bad move… What a shame for the entire movement of Golf!!!!
Artie
Apr 13, 2013 at 12:19 pm
The rule didn’t exist when he played, unfortunately.
TD
Apr 13, 2013 at 12:01 pm
A rule is a rule; I agree with Ryan M. & Forsbrand. It’s the people that call in, incorrect scorecard (why have them anymore?) ohh, that leaf moved, etc, etc. It’s that finky attitude that has led to the decline of golf. The purist say that shouldn’t be considered. Well if that was the case, then Augusta, USGA and PGA wouldn’t be teaming up to promote junior golf. If that wasn’t the case, the PGA wouldn’t have gone against the USGA/R&A on belly ban. The committee rendered its decision, based on the revision of the rule.
northgolf
Apr 13, 2013 at 11:53 am
I like how people here think they are more qualified to make a decision than the rules committee at the Masters.
2putttom
Apr 13, 2013 at 12:38 pm
Right on… bunch of arm chair officials.
Cody
Apr 13, 2013 at 11:46 am
This is for The Masters rules committee and Tiger Woods. I am unsure if this has been said but:
What would Robert Tyre Jones, Jr. have done?
Artie
Apr 13, 2013 at 12:19 pm
He let Palmer play two balls after he disagreed with a ruling, and went on to win…
Jay
Apr 13, 2013 at 10:59 am
Hey Bob S, maybe u shouldnt make statements like that when u dont no what ur talking about. The tournament is run by Augusta National and not the PGA and they do make the decisions with regards to rules infranctions, get ur facts straight before u make comments like that.
Bob S
Apr 13, 2013 at 11:05 am
Jay….you sir need to get your “facts” straight; not only does the Masters and officials of Augusta National run this tournament in conjunction with the official rules of golf as established by the USGA/R&A/PGA…..but that was not the MAJOR point that i was addressing! You initially stated, and for the 2nd time i will quote, “Augusta has discretion over the rules….”unfortunately for your position, you sir are clearly WRONG!!
Dale W
Apr 13, 2013 at 11:23 am
When is the whole calling in penalties going to stop. I can’t believe that golf still allows this to happen. When was the last time I could call into a football or baseball game when they made a obvious bad call. Oh that’s right you can’t and it is taking away from this great game. In every sport there is going to be mistakes made that’s why we all watch and love live sports. Since when is it our responsibility to change the outcomes the athletes are competing in real time and we are able to call in long after they are done and gone home. Next time that pitch is called a strike I want to be able to call 6 hours later and have them change it to a ball. These guys play a game we can only dream about and rules officials follow them around so we should not be able to affect the outcome.
Adison
Apr 13, 2013 at 11:51 am
Agree with Dale W. This call-in B.S. should be stopped! Secondly after the rule officials reviewed the video and made the decision that he made a legit drop, it should stop there! Regardless of what tiger or any player says after the call has been made! In what other sport do the officials review a call, make a decision and then the next day decide to change their mind and implement a penalty? The answer is NONE! And don’t even get me started on the penalty they gave the 14 yr old even though its broke at every event by several players and hasn’t been used in the late 90’s. Ridiculous!
Mario
Apr 13, 2013 at 11:58 am
Adison: They tried to protect Tiger from penalty, then when Tiger spoke of his drop they knew they no longer could protect him as he pretty much bluntly said I broke the rules on tv..
Mario
Apr 13, 2013 at 11:54 am
In baseball, football, basketball etc. there are refs, or umps that are in charge of the game, (time, penalties, strikes and balls etc) in golf its up the golfers or fellow golfers to govern themselves and as I see it, all people watching are a part of fellow players. I believe Judgment calls are up to the players and fellow competitors, but blunt rules violations are everyone’s call. Golfers unlike any other sport are not playing to bend the rules or violate the rules…
Golflaw
Apr 13, 2013 at 6:06 pm
Your logic is faulty. The BS about golfers calling on themselves started at a time when there was no tv, was no media, was no crowds and people could cheat with impunity. And at that time balls were of feathers. There is ample opportunity for professional golf to use referees to call a penalty at the time on a player. Every other sport has referees and when they make a mistake such is life. Game stands. The baloney about golfers call penalties on themselves means we let jerks call in from their couch and change the results is another dumb rule that hurts the popularity of golf.
Gary Ward
Apr 13, 2013 at 12:43 pm
This was not in any way related to people calling in Tiger called it himself at interview!
The rule 33 changes were brought in to stop players being DQ’d for breaking a rule they could not have been expected to know e.g. a ball moving imperceptably that was only seen by the HD camera that sort of thing not to allow the penalty to be ducked by a guy who broke the rule on purpose because he got it mixed up. The rules about how to drop from a water hazard are very simple it was a school boy error and the rules should be applied, if he wasn’t sure he should have asked.
JL
Apr 13, 2013 at 10:54 am
Wow. This happens way too often for him. Shouldn’t he be calling the rules officials over more often? Wasn’t there that sandy lie thing? If he calls them over then it’s their responsibility not his. Guess a stroke or two doesn’t really matter to him in his mind. Don’t even understand why he thought that would even be ok. There should be a 5 foot radius where the ball enters the water where he could drop. Doesn’t make sense for him to have to hit across the water again when it rolled in it from closer to the pin.
Bob S
Apr 13, 2013 at 11:08 am
Agree completely; given this whole round of golf by all participants was off the charts from time perspective…..it would not have been causing anymore substantial delay to have sought out a rules official and let him/her make the decision as to proper drop point!
TD
Apr 13, 2013 at 10:48 am
“I Narc’d on Tiger” T-shirts now available on http://www.mommydidntloveme.com...
Andre
Apr 13, 2013 at 10:33 am
This is horse donk. The public shouldn’t be policing the players! Besides, this the masters,there should be a rule official with every group! Had it not been for the public he wouldn’t have been penalized. His intent, wasn’t to take advantage. Under the the hd, rule, he has the right to dq, himself. But how many player unknowingly break a rule, and are penalized because they are not on camera!
Mario
Apr 13, 2013 at 10:44 am
First off lets not blame the camera’s if it wasn’t for the cameras Tiger Woods wouldn’t be a Millionare and all Golfers wouldn’t be making millions.. So Tiger and the rest of those players can thank every camera man out there. Second is just because you didn’t know you where braking a rule doesn’t mean you should get away with it. Ask Dustin Johnson about that. This is like no other sport and that’s why I love it!!! Its pretty much in black and white and Tiger has been playing by them for years, he has made millions on top of millions because of this game, so in my opinion he should respect this game and its rules and DQ himself…. He owes golf at least that much. The Augusta officials have a different agenda on why he isn’t DQ’ed and its all about the mighty dollar of ratings..
LObin
Apr 13, 2013 at 11:52 am
Mario, I’ve been reading your comments and I strongly disagree. Refering to the Dustin Johnson’s incident isn’t a good comparaison. Dustin wasn’t DQied. He was assigned a 2 stroke penalty before signing his card, which put him outside of a playoff with Kaymer and Watson. And his case is totally different since he thought it wasn’t a hazard because of all the fans stepping in the “bunker”. Poor job by the rule official and poor job by his caddy (Tiger’s caddie…).
When that whole sad story happened, the rule 33-7 didn’t exist. Now it does. Should he withdraw because other golfers in the past, prior to the 33-7 rule, got DQied? Eeehhhh… NO!
AND, the rules official reviewed the play before Tiger signed his card and declared there was no penalty. I read that they changed there mind after someone called because after hearing Tiger’s comment on the play.
Andre
Apr 13, 2013 at 12:02 pm
Under the drop rule that he thought he was playing. He had the right to drop as far back as he wanted! So his intent wasn’t to cheat! He thought he was playing within the rules! So no I wasn’t in his head. Besides, how many people were around that green? Even his caddy, didn’t realize he was in violation. If it really fair, to dq, someone for something like this? Again, he taking the 2 stroke penalty. Was it fair for Padraig Harrington disqualified for Abu Dhabi error? When picking up his marker? Really?
Artie
Apr 13, 2013 at 12:17 pm
Correct me if I’m wrong, but he could drop anywhere between where he hit the ball, and where it entered the hazard. Only on a tee shot, can you go back to the tee (or, as far back as he wanted). Am I correct in that, really not sure?
Gary Ward
Apr 13, 2013 at 12:35 pm
Sorry thats in correct:
The rule you refer to is only if he keeps the point the ball last crossed the margin of the hazard between you and the flag, he chose not to do that he chose to play from where he last played which he has to play as close as possible to, i think Tiger got those two mixed up like you have.
The far back as possible would have been way to the left of where he hit it from.
His other option was the drop zone which is smelly so he ruled that out too.
If rules are unfair then they get changed after not because the guy breaking them is good. Like happened after Harrington and Roe etc
Bob S
Apr 13, 2013 at 11:00 am
Interesting that you comment on his intent; as if you were in his head! In his post round taped interview; “…two yards further back and took two yards off the shot…” which i am afraid to inform you would under anyone’s definition clearly imply not only his “intent” but his willingness to “take advantage” of the drop!
Forsbrand
Apr 13, 2013 at 12:19 pm
Did tiger take advantage of a drop a little further back and out of place from where he played his original shot? YES. Did he admit this? YES but did he admit this before he signed his scorecard? Who were the rules officials? Did they have their heads in the sand when tiger was explaining what he did? I ain’t understand what has hanged between tiger explaining it before he signed his iCard and afterwards in the press conference? Surely it’s the same story from tiger? Someone is not playing straight
Gary Ward
Apr 13, 2013 at 12:30 pm
Andre can i point out politley a few points:
There is an official with every group Tiger had the option to call and ask which if he had no penalty could be applied
The public had nothing to do with this it was not a TV viewer that called in as on previous occassions.
He broke the rule and did exactly what he intended to do i.e move back 2 yards from where he played the original shot, he got 2 simple rules mixed up thinking he could go back on the same line. To me that is not an “exceptional unknowing error” it is ignorance of the rules as such he should be disqualified, shame as i think golf needs an on form Tiger but this hurts him and it hurst golf.
Chuck
Apr 13, 2013 at 2:56 pm
No. Not at the Masters. There is not a referee with every pairing.
Tiger knew the rule, and the options. He just got mixed up on how to apply it, with the ball having crossed the margin of the hazard on the other side after careening off the flagstick. That gave him a completely different line to keep between himself and the hole. He didn’t want to go that way. Tiger got mixed up. He was supposed to drop as near to his original spot as possible. From where he wanted to play from, that was the only permissible option.
Big Herm
Apr 13, 2013 at 10:12 am
He should be disqualified. He only got two strokes because Augusta is gutless and it’s Tiger Woods. ANYBODY else would be gone from this tournament. Maybe Nike will make a new commercial from this since they support cheaters.
David
Apr 13, 2013 at 10:05 am
I hate to say it, because as with many rules in golf, a DQ seems too severe for what Tiger did, but based on how rules have been applied in the past, a DQ is the most appropriate penalty. Once they start making exceptions, the rule is no longer valid. I don’t think that Tiger intentionally broke the rule, but between he, his caddie, and the rules officials, they should not have made this mistake.
By the way, a two-stroke penalty on a hole where an unlucky break already cost him 1-2 strokes is pretty severe, and Tiger will have to play some great golf to overcome it.
rtylerg
Apr 13, 2013 at 11:00 am
I completely agree. Where was the caddie? I’m sure Tiger was steamed after hitting the flag stick and then having it go in the water hazard so I can see how his decision could have been an overly-hasty one. His caddie should have huddled him up and gone over the options.
Also, while I don’t think many things ethically merit a DQ, he should have called over a rules official. It can never hurt to ask and then there can be no questioning the decision. Tiger isn’t the best player in the world for his knowledge of the rules so let someone else handle that.
J
Apr 13, 2013 at 10:00 am
This isn’t a PGA ran event. Augusta has discretion over the rules and they get to decide how infractions are handled. Did you all even READ that portion of the article you are commenting on.
Really…
David
Apr 13, 2013 at 10:11 am
@J Though you are correct in noting that this is not a PGA event, that in itself would do nothing to dissuade many from believing that the lack of a DQ is playing favorites. The reason that players adhere to a strict interpretation of the rules of golf, whether or not they agree with the rules, is because without that, the integrity of the game comes into question. For The Masters to assess penalties differently than the rules of golf would suggest rightfully calls into question the integrity of this Tournament…especially unexpected at a place where running and wearing your cap backwards draw penalties and stern lectures.
Bob S
Apr 13, 2013 at 10:18 am
Really…..so let me get to the nuts and bolts of your implication; “this isn’t a PGA ran even. Augusta has discretion over the rules…”…Really!! I not only do not agree with you, but longer range ramifications would be profound for the game!!
Artie
Apr 13, 2013 at 12:13 pm
Well, for example, the Masters committee could decide to play a different ball – one that doesn’t travel as far, or spin as much, if they wanted to. It’s not a PGA event – they can do as they wish. The fact that it’s a “major” means absolutely nothing. “Major” is a made up term…
J
Apr 13, 2013 at 8:38 pm
Doesn’t matter if you agree with me or not… Your wrong. Plain and simple. August makes, polices, and enforces the rules of…
THEIR TOURNAMENT.
It’s not a hard concept. It is an invitational… You trying to tell me that ” local rules ” don’t apply at a golf course that sets them because the same rule doesn’t apply elsewhere. That, by definition, is golf.
Through the green at the PGA Campionship…. Does that ring a bell?
I dislike Tiger too..but that doesn’t mean there is a news story and some conspiracy going on because it was Tiger… Augusta enforced their rules the way they wanted. It’s their show.
End of story.
Kccheadpro
Apr 13, 2013 at 12:09 pm
That’s what pathetic, it still is a Major golf tournament and they don’t want to follow the rules of golf. Total garbage.
Gary Ward
Apr 13, 2013 at 12:23 pm
It may be an Augusta run event in some ways but it is an official professional golf tournament and Augusta do not have the right to change or interpret the rules as they see fit. If they do then it cannot be called a golf tournment!
J
Apr 14, 2013 at 2:15 am
So Gary… No Local Rules…
No Through the Green at the PGA Championship…
Their are local rules in effect at alot of tournaments… Or does that simple and undisputed fact elude you?
Mario
Apr 13, 2013 at 9:53 am
This happens to anyone else and they are DQ’ed!!! Tiger needs to do the right thing and DQ himself, I will have a more found respect for him
Ryan M
Apr 13, 2013 at 11:27 am
That’s ignorant- Rory/Hefty/Bubba Watson/Fred Couples none of them get DQ’d for this either.
Marionmg
Apr 13, 2013 at 4:55 pm
Anyone else does this and we never even hear/know about it.
Mat
Apr 13, 2013 at 9:50 am
They blow the slow play call, but I HATED seeing people DQ’d for stuff. This is a good thing. I still think they should have only 2 hours after the last player signs for the day to make any changes, and only DQ for things in 4th round.
dakota jones
Apr 13, 2013 at 9:47 am
Thanks for this article went on here because on golf channel they were not talking about why he was disqualified thanks for the info.
Matt M
Apr 13, 2013 at 9:46 am
Can the call in police get out of golf. If no rules officials has problem with drop during the round then that should be final!
Mario
Apr 13, 2013 at 9:51 am
No body called in, Tiger in a interview admitted to his drop (Dropped to yards behind his original spot) in which was wrong. He didn’t realize it was wrong but that’s besides the point. Tiger didn’t want to brake the rule but he did!!! And the rule of signing the wrong scorecard is a DQ!!!! Tiger cheated unknownly but he cheated regardless….
Bob S
Apr 13, 2013 at 9:52 am
He didn’t call for the “rules officials” for their assessment; he made the drop decision on his own, later added fuel to fire with his comments as to his intent….should be disqualified!
Tservos
Apr 13, 2013 at 11:09 am
Seems like he called the penalty on himself.
I hate the DQ rule.
I really hate that some expert watching at home can call in a penalty (which apparently didn’t happen in this case)
But he admitted to not only breaking the rule but that he did it to gain an advantage. He should be DQed and then they need to change the rule.
TD
Apr 13, 2013 at 1:30 pm
Who are these people that have nothing better to do than call in? Rethoical- I kind of know what type of invididual it is.
Golflaw
Apr 13, 2013 at 4:51 pm
Agree with you. The golf rule of self reporting made sense when there were no galleries, no tv and no media. The idea that a tour golfer can cheat and not get caught is silly. Another arcane and dumb rule that gets magnified when tv viewers can call in and say they saw something in slow motion. It began with someone calling in that Craig Stadler broke the rule by keeping his pants clean kneeling on a towel. was stupid then and is stupider today. Only sport where there is no referee to call penalties at the time. Imagine a viewer calling in who spotted a holding penalty on a winning touchdown and the next day the NFL changed the winner because the fan was right. At a minimum in major golf tournaments there ought to be a rules official with each group and he/she ought to call the penalty at the time it occurs. Avoids all the silly controversy.
Mario
Apr 13, 2013 at 9:44 am
TIGER should be DQ’ed he signed a wrong scorecard.. PGA is playing favorites.. A Rule is a Rule….
Forsbrand
Apr 13, 2013 at 10:33 am
Absolute disgrace. Golf has sunk to a new low. It’s not tigers fault. But think how bookmakers will feel now? This could really effect sports betting
Forsbrand
Apr 13, 2013 at 10:35 am
If tiger were to go onto win it would almost certainly tarnish the reputation of Augusts masters . Just think back to the World Matchplay Championship. It was called this although if you were a non managed IMG client you didn’t get to play, which was a bit of a farce in itself. Absolute rubbish, anyo me else and they would be on the next plane home, but Tiger. Gutless PGA
Ryan M
Apr 13, 2013 at 11:26 am
http://www.usga.org/Rule-Books/Rules-of-Golf/Rule-33/
Rule 33-7
33-7. Disqualification Penalty; Committee Discretion
A penalty of disqualification may in exceptional individual cases be waived, modified or imposed if the Committee considers such action warranted.
Any penalty less than disqualification must not be waived or modified.
If a Committee considers that a player is guilty of a serious breach of etiquette, it may impose a penalty of disqualification under this Rule.
Chuck
Apr 13, 2013 at 2:47 pm
The original post for this thread reads;
“Instead of disqualifying Woods, or Woods removing himself from the tournament, Masters rules officials have assessed Woods a new two-shot penalty that gives rules officials discretion over rules infractions committed after a player has signed his card.”
I think that is an incorrect wording. Woods wasn’t penalized under a new rule. The penalty (two shots) was for an incorrect drop. Which is a two-stroke penalty under good old Rule 20-7. Not a new Rule.
Woods was rescued from a disqualification under a new Rule 33-7. That rule saved Woods from a DQ; it was not the source of the two-stroke penalty.
I think that Fred Ridley did a pretty good job of explaining the action. He defended the Committee’s explanation very well.
I also have some sympathy for the position of Brandel Chamblee. Would it be better for Tiger to withdraw? Would it serve the interest of the Masters? Would it enhance Tiger’s long-term reputation? Would it end a disasteful controversy, if Tiger were to win? Would other major champions withdraw?
I have Tiger in a Masters pool, by the way. It would be in my financial interest for him to win.
I think that Fred Ridely’s ruling was correct, and I think that Brandel Chamblee is correct when the better thing would be for Tiger to WD.
Thomas McAllister
Apr 14, 2013 at 10:22 pm
Brandel Chamblee is a Tiger hater, Tiger followed the ruling issued by the Masters Rules Committee and approved by every ruling body in Golf. Tell me how in the hell you think he should WD. He obeyed a ruling period
TD
Apr 13, 2013 at 11:47 am
A rule is a rule; I agree with Ryan M. & Forsbrand. It’s the people that call in, incorrect scorecard (why have them anymore?) ohh, that leaf moved, etc, etc. It’s that finky attitude that has led to the decline of golf. The purist say that shouldn’t be considered. Well if that was the case, then Augusta, USGA and PGA wouldn’t be teaming up to promote junior golf. If that wasn’t the case, the PGA wouldn’t have gone against the USGA/R&A on belly ban. The committee rendered its decision, based on the revision of the rule.
Artie
Apr 13, 2013 at 12:09 pm
The committee should have stopped him before he signed his scorecard, if they had an issue. Only when a player signs his card, is he deemed to have broken a rule. Until that time, he can correct the card himself. They reviewed it, and thought it was a legitimate drop. Only after his card was signed, and they heard his comments, did they look into it again. The decision is equitable. Under the rules of golf, the committee has the option of not DQ’ing a player. They exercised that option. Play on.
PETER
Apr 13, 2013 at 5:33 pm
I agree totality, #1 golfer in the world should know the rules and set example for other golfers. Man up and DQ yourself TIGER WOODS, for the good of the game.
Mark
Apr 13, 2013 at 11:51 pm
Thank you Peter…..he should have DQ’d himself. I do not buy that he I’d not know the rule……I am a weekend warier and even I know the rule. Bottom line is that he thought he would get by with it….. And he got caught !!!