T-Time Podcast // Ep. 32: The Biggest Rules Stories & What We Can Learn from Them with Bob & Christie Austin
Join Tori as she hosts an exciting podcast featuring two prominent figures in the golf world, Bob and Christie Austin. They are known for their expertise in the rules of golf. Christie has an impressive track record, having served as the USGA's first female chair and governing board member. She also made history as the first woman chairman of the Rules of Golf Committee, responsible for writing the rules for the USGA. Bob and Christie, both members of the USGA rules committee, will talk about the stories of the most significant rules in golf and impart valuable lessons from them. Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion on golf's biggest rules stories - grab your clubs and tune in if you're a stickler for the rules.
Bob and Christie’s Golf Journeys
Bob and Christie have had fascinating journeys in golf. Despite not being rules certified, Christie's began when she was asked to join the executive committee of the USGA in 2007. Her first assignment was officiating at Augusta, which prompted her to study hard and become an expert. She went on to become the first female chair of the USGA Rules of Golf Committee, an impressive accomplishment. On the other hand, Bob started working on the rules two or three years before Christie did. He began officiating at the Women's Amateur Public Links in 2007, and from there, he went on to various opens and national championships. He eventually joined the NCAA rules committee and has continued enjoying his golf work.
The Impact of Tiger Woods' 2013 Masters on Golf Rules
In the 2013 Masters, Tiger Woods took a drop on the 15th hole after his third shot hit the flagstick and bounced into the water. Woods had three options: to go back in line with the hole, use a dropping zone, or replay the shot adding a stroke and distance. He chose the third option and dropped the ball two yards behind where he was instead of as near as possible to the spot. Woods played the shot onto the green, hit it next to the hole, and finished it with what he thought was a six.
The rules committee reviewed the footage and saw that Woods did not drop the ball as near as possible to the spot but did not question him. Woods later admitted on TV that he intentionally dropped the ball two yards behind the spot. The rule at the time stated that they should be disqualified if a golfer signs an incorrect scorecard. However, the committee gave Woods a two-stroke penalty and an eight on that hole, citing their error of not questioning Woods before he signed his scorecard. The incident was controversial and led to rule changes.
Real-life Golf Rules Stories
Even the most skilled golfers are subject to the same rules as beginners, and even the smallest infractions can have significant consequences. In this context, several professional and amateur golfers have made headlines for rule violations or penalties that affected their performance on the course:
- Patrick Reed - During the 2019 Hero World Challenge, Reed was penalized for improving his lie in a bunker by removing sand behind his ball. The incident sparked controversy due to Reed's past reputation for bending the rules.
- Anna Norquest - Norquest, a high school golfer, called a penalty on herself during a tournament in 2018 after accidentally hitting her ball with her putter while addressing it.
- Charley Hoffman - In the 2013 Masters, Hoffman accidentally hit his ball while addressing it on the 15th green, resulting in a penalty stroke.
- Rickie Fowler - At the 2019 Waste Management Phoenix Open, Fowler assessed a two-stroke penalty for hitting a ball in motion on the 11th green.
- Dustin Johnson - During the 2010 PGA Championship, Johnson led on the final day but was penalized for grounding his club in a bunker on the 18th hole. The resulting two-stroke penalty cost him the championship.
The Rules of Dropping and Placing Golf Balls
In golf, the rules for dropping and placing a ball are critical to ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of the game. When a player's ball is unplayable or goes out of bounds, they must take a penalty stroke, drop it in a specified area, or place it on the ground in a specific location. When dropping the ball, the player must stand upright and hold it at shoulder height before releasing it. The ball must land within the designated drop area without touching the player or equipment. If the ball lands outside the designated area, the player must re-drop it. Similarly, when placing a ball, the player must place it gently on the ground without causing it to roll or bounce. Any violation of these rules can result in penalties or disqualification from the tournament.
Dealing with Stuck Golf Balls: Rules for Drops and Penalties
In golf, a ball that becomes stuck in a tree, embedded in the ground, or otherwise unplayable due to an obstruction poses a challenge for players. In such cases, the rules allow the player to declare the ball unplayable and take a one-stroke penalty. The player has three options:
- Take a drop within two club lengths of where the ball came to rest;
- Go back to the spot from which they last played;
- Drop the ball on a line between the hole and where the ball was found.
The player must inform their playing partners of their decision and proceed with the drop accordingly. By following these rules, players can ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of the game.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding and following the rules regarding golf ball drops, placements, and unplayable balls are essential for fair play and maintaining the integrity of the game. By adhering to these rules, golfers can ensure that the game is played fairly and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.
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