If he had continued to use it and as he hit a drive the face caved in/broke, I assume he’d have to play that ball wherever it landed assuming it wasn’t OB/water? I’m wondering why he didn’t keep using it to see if the ‘crack’ was a problem.
Chi Chi was a very popular player at the old IVB Golf Classic (1963-1980) at Whitemarsh Valley outside of Philly. He was like the Pied Piper with kids. I remember him putting his hat over the hole after holing a big putt on 18 and then doing his sword dance. The crowd went wild. His playing companions, not so much, as he was leaving spike marks all around the hole.
Here's a pic from the 60's with my now-74-year-old sister cheering him on. RIP.
So, I assume it wasn't allowed to be replace because a crack is a deformation? Did they think it was just scratched?
I like the story the announcer told. There was a time were this happened in another tournament, the partner of the golfer who had the club cracked told him to just hit a provisional and swing as hard as he can in the hope the club just gets destroyed. You can hit a provisional anytime, so why not? 🤣