Lynch: Signature events could use changes, but if stars aren’t inconvenienced, the PGA Tour isn’t listening

Sahith Theegala has apologized to the Valero Texas Open after being penalized four strokes for an errant drop in round two of the event.

The American was assessed the penalty after video footage showed he did not drop his ball from knee height during the first round.

Theegala signed an incorrect scorecard, and under the rules, he was given a two-stroke penalty. The additional two-stroke penalty was added because Theegala’s playing partners did not notice the incorrect drop and report it to an official.

The penalty dropped Theegala from a tie for second to a tie for 11th. Had he been aware of the penalty during the final round, he may have taken a more aggressive approach and earned a better result. The prize money difference between second and 11th place is over $1 million.

Theegala’s situation serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor rules infractions can have a significant impact on a player’s tournament standing.