Pro’s rules break after airmailed approach leads to wild birdie
Pro’s rules break after airmailed approach leads to wild birdie
A rules infraction involving a pro golfer, whose wayward approach shot landed on a neighboring hole, has raised eyebrows at the PGA Tour event. The incident occurred on the 12th hole when the player’s tee shot sailed over the green and onto the adjacent 13th fairway.
According to rule 27-1 of the R&A Rules of Golf, a player must play the ball as it lies unless it is in an unplayable lie or a hazard. However, the player opted to take a free drop in the 13th fairway under the mistaken belief they could play from there.
Realizing their error, the player informed tournament officials, resulting in a two-stroke penalty under the rule 27-1b. The resulting double bogey was a costly blow to the player’s chances in the tournament, highlighting the importance of adhering to the rules of the game.