Golf Rule Revision Created By TV Coverage : Golf News
13 April 2011:
The power of television is clear to see in golf – with players being given penalties and disqualifications after the event when they haven’t realised they had done anything wrong but a viewer has called in about it. A new rule change that came in last week could see players granted a little understanding and leeway.
The fundamental issue being addressed is when a golfer is unaware that a rule has been breached and could not reasonably be expected to have known. High Definition televisions and slow motion replays have led to minor breaches of the rules of golf being seen, although not with the actual player knowing about the issue. Of course this means that they will have signed for an incorrect score, which means disqualification. The rule change will mean that the penalty will still be applied to the player’s score but they will not then face disqualification for signing for an incorrect score.
The executive director of the United States Golf Association (USGA) explained that these minor transgressions are only able to be seen thanks to specialised cameras which can greatly enhance the detail able to be seen. Padraig Harrington for example was disqualified after shooting a first round score of 65 at the Abu Dhabi Championship when a close-up slow-motion replay showed that his golf ball had moved as he was removing his ball marker. Padraig Harrington, his playing partners and the match referee did not notice the golf ball move, because it was the tiniest of movements, but if they had they would have applied a two shot penalty. Thanks to this situation being reported later Padraig Harrington signed for his 65 and was subsequently disqualified for signing for his now incorrect score.
An R&A spokesman also discussed the implementation of this new ruling, highlighting that it will only apply to a very limited number of situations but that it was deemed necessary to bring it in due to the disproportionate penalty of disqualification for what were small breaches of the rules.
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