Jordan Spieth's fellow professionals have urged the sport's governing bodies to amend the “outdated rule” that disqualified the three-time major champion. From Genesis invitation.
While Spieth graciously accepted the penalty of signing for a wrong score after the second round of the $20 million event in Los Angeles, the Texas sensation's ejection caused outrage in the locker room and beyond.
The 30-year-old was flagged for a par three on the fourth but got a four after missing the green. He didn't notice the mistake in the scorer's shack and once he signed the scorecard and left the area, the first DQ of the former world number one's career was inevitable.
There was no indication that Spieth had cheated, but the rule is black and white.
However, that did not calm two-time DP World Tour winner Eddie Pepperell. “Why are we still doing this guys? “No one benefits from this,” Pepperell posted on social media before making his plea to the R&A and the USGA. “Can we please consider changing this rule to a reduced penalty please?”
Pepperrell's view was shared by Michael Kim, a PGA Tour professional. “There are many safeguards for this, but this is a stupid rule,” he wrote. Craig Connelly, an experienced man who has worked for the likes of Paul Casey, Colin Montgomery and now Martin Kaymer, spoke on behalf of many in his complaint.
“With the current technology and scoring system, this shouldn't happen and shouldn't be allowed to happen,” the Scot said on Channel
American bag man Kip Henley went further, calling it “the stupidest rule in sports.” “Seriously, why do we even have scorecards on the PGA Tour?” he asked. “Why not going pro [10-pin] Bowlers keep their own scores?
But not everyone was sympathetic to Spieth, who was in the top 20 in 3-pointers made when he was sent home. Dylan Wu, another Tour pro, explained the system in the scorer's shack, where an official reads scores that are independently scored by a marker — one of which accompanies each set — for the player to mark.
“It amazes me how often this happens in professional golf. The math is tough…I guess,” Wu said. “It takes five seconds for the tour officials to read your scores and for you to check them. Great attitude – but that's the equivalent of forgetting to write your name on the test… haha”
In fairness, Spieth took the hit to the chin and admitted the mistake. “Today I signed up for an incorrect scorecard and walked out of the scoring area, after I thought I went through all the procedures to make sure it was correct,” Spieth said. “Rules are rules, and I take full responsibility. I love this tournament and the golf course as much as any other tournament on the PGA Tour, so it hurts not to get some running on the weekend.”
Rory McIlroy believes there is no need to reform the regulations. He said: “It is unfortunate for Jordan and unfortunate for the tournament that he is not present.” “I can see both sides of the argument. But I'm probably more traditional than anything, so I've been in the labor camp for a long time, and I don't think you really need to change it.”
Spieth's downfall was the latest incident to make headlines at the Riviera, the venerable region that also saw the departure of tournament promoter Tiger Woods. He withdrew after six holes of his second round.
The 48-year-old was playing in his first official event in 10 months due to ongoing problems with the right leg he nearly lost in a car crash three years ago, but suffered flu-like symptoms and dehydration and was put on a drip. He issued a statement on Saturday revealing: “I feel better.” Woods is expected to start next at the Players Championship in Sawgrass next month.
Heading into the final round, Patrick Cantlay posted a 14-under 70, two points ahead of compatriots Xander Scheufele and Will Zalatoris, who both shot 65. McIlroy is 4-under 69 after a 2-under 69.
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