Whos away?

[Papa Steve 55]

Interesting ruling during todays final round in the WGC. I wonder how many of us would have got it right?

I'll try and recap. Jason Day pushed a shot wide right of the green. Oosthiuzen then proceeded to dunk one in the drink next to the green. He elected to take a drop about 80 yards back, I assume for a full swing shot. So Day is resting about 20 yards to the right and Oostie is now, after the drop,80 short. Its match play, whos shot is it?

 

 

Turns out it was Days. The ruling, if I'm explaining it right, is that Oosties ball came to rest nearer the pin. The fact that he dropped it further back did not change the order of play. Also the fact that it was in water had no bearing.

[rogolf]

And it was the correct ruling - the Decisions in Rule 10 make it quite clear, and the referee, Steve Rintoul knew it.

[iacas]

Yeah. If Day holes his shot, or something, Oosthuizen might elect to try to play from the hazard.

[Rulesman]

8 hours ago, iacas said:

Yeah. If Day holes his shot, or something, Oosthuizen might elect to try to play from the hazard.

As Oosthuizen had already dropped can he change his mind?

[Papa Steve 55]

1 hour ago, Rulesman said:

As Oosthuizen had already dropped can he change his mind?

Johnny Miller was surprised by the ruling for this reason I thought, but I think he knows deep rules discussions do not make good TV so let it drop. I'm pretty sure I would have failed this if it was on rules quiz.

Edited March 28, 2016 by Papa Steve 55

[Asheville]

The topic was covered at my last PGA/USGA Rules Workshop and David Staebler explained that in match play a player's choice of relief options cannot be used to manipulate the order of play.

[bkuehn1952]

On 3/28/2016 at 8:37 PM, Papa Steve 55 said:

Interesting ruling during today's final round in the WGC.

Thanks!  Your post inspired me to review the Decisions on the subject.  I learn something new every day.