European Tour takes away two 59 shot rounds

http://www.golfdigest.com/golf-tours-news/blogs/local-knowledge/2013/12/this-week-in-weird-golf-news-what-do-you-mean-my-59-doesnt-c.html

So basically the European Tour is not counting the two rounds scored as 59's due to the fact they were played under preferred lies, "lift, clean, and place rules"

Not sure I agree with the European's decision on this one. If the tournament sanctioned preferred lies, and a golfer shoots a 59 it should be legitimized. Now, when discussing the history of scores shot, all the 59's, and some magical scores like Johnny Miller's 63 at Oakmont. Then it can be brought up int he discussion of, "Hey that 59 isn't as good as that 59", but I still think it is a 59 and should be recorded as such by the European Tour.

I was in the gallery for a Pro tour event, following G Mac. I saw all players were picking and placing the ball on the fairway. When GMac hit his 2nd shot it landed just a yard off the green, on the fringe. He picked it up, cleaned it nicely and, checking here and there, chose the best spot to place the ball for the next stroke, his first putt. A good choice as he made the eagle. There was nothing, no water, no high grass, no gopher holes, etc,  to be seen at all on the fairways or greens which warranted the pick and place rule. We, the peanut gallery, decided that in order to enhance the media hype and promote low scores, which get more world press, the golf big shots went to the pick and place rule. It's as if all the players were on drugs... all are stronger or last longer but no one player more so. Sure, it also produces lower scores.

They should do away with the LCP thingy..After all the times I've had to hit balls with Mud globs on my ball from not so great conditions, so should they have to play w/o having the Luxury of LCP..just my humble opinion.

Yep.  The pros need to play under adverse conditions just like the rest of us.  Rotella's first book was titled "Golf Isn't a Game of Perfect" - that should be the mantra of every player.  Play the course as you find it and play your ball as it lies and learn to deal with the issues which arise from living by those basic principles.

That is true. I just think if it was a European sanctioned event, and they allowed preferred lies, I would be upset with them not counting it an official round, though it is counted towards the tournament score. I guess as a golfer they have to differentiate between the two.

I think there is a place for it. I think it should be situational. If your ball isn't embedded, then you don't get to lift it. If it is embedded, then you can.

Put me firmly in the anti-LCP camp too.  Maybe this is a harbinger of things to come.  Good for the Euros!

I agree, LCP is too easily abused by Tournament committees that want to artificially create low scores.  The pro's are good enough, they don't need special rules to make the game any easier for them.