Perceptive rules question by caddie unlocks Tour pro’s ‘dead zone’ relief
During the PGA Tour’s Puerto Rico Open, a caddie’s astute recognition questioned a perceived rule, resulting in a beneficial ruling for Brandt Snedeker. Faced with an unplayable lie in a “dead zone,” Snedeker found himself unable to ground his club or take relief within two club-lengths of the original spot. However, his caddie wisely posed the query of whether this rule applied in the circumstances, prompting a review by the PGA Tour rules official. After careful consideration, the official granted Snedeker relief, allowing him to drop his ball in a more advantageous position. This perceptive intervention by the caddie proved invaluable, potentially influencing the outcome of Snedeker’s round.