On the PGA Tour, they usually have a rules official you can ask. Pro golfers are really scared of making a mistake because it could cost them tons of money. Many times they consult an official even when they know what to do. Better safe than sorry.
To make things worse, any fan watching television can call and point out a rule violation -- usually hours after the golfer has signed his scorecard. This happened to Camilo Villegas at Hyundai Tournament of Champions in Hawaii. I'll spare you the details, but he unknowingly violated Rule 23 (look it up, it will be good for you). A fan called in after Villegas' round pointing out his rule violation and Camilo was disqualified.
Try calling the NBA to point out a foul that was missed. Or better yet, call the NFL to complain about a missed holding call. They would laugh at you -- as they should. When I am King, I will order the PGA to turn off their phones during all tournaments. If people want to bitch about a ruling, start a blog.
Not a golfer so may have terminology wrong.
ReplyDeleteIn the late 90s I was at a business conference at a resort with golf course outside Edinburgh, Scotland.
There was a prominent sign in the lobby stating that the swan at a certain water hazard had recently hatched signets. If you landed a ball too close in her opinion, drop a new ball outside her range of objection and take a one stroke penalty.
Okay, I found the rule and read it... now I'm curious as to exactly how the guy violated rule 23...
ReplyDeleteSamBC @ After chucking a pitch shot, he swatted away his divot as the ball rolled back close to the original spot. You can't move a lose impediment when the ball is in motion if the action might influence the roll of the ball. I told you rules are difficult to understand.
ReplyDeleteOf course, following the letter of the rules, the interpretation is clear... it just makes it clear that the rules are, in places, sufficiently arcane that the officials at the course don't realise all of the implications at the time.
ReplyDeleteMost of the time, a player doesn't have an official present. Players are suppose to call their own penalties, but often time they aren't aware that a rule violation has occurred. Never the less, people shouldn't be allowed to phone in and call penalties.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with that in principle; maybe they should be allowed to call them in so the organisations get an idea of what they have missed, but it shouldn't be publicly disclosed and it shouldn't change results.
ReplyDeleteIf they want proper monitoring, the organisations involved should do it themselves, AT THE TIME.
SamBc@ AMEN!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with that in principle; maybe they should be allowed to call them in so the organisations get an idea of what they have missed, but it shouldn't be publicly disclosed and it shouldn't change results.
ReplyDeleteIf they want proper monitoring, the organisations involved should do it themselves, AT THE TIME.
SamBC @ After chucking a pitch shot, he swatted away his divot as the ball rolled back close to the original spot. You can't move a lose impediment when the ball is in motion if the action might influence the roll of the ball. I told you rules are difficult to understand.
ReplyDelete