GOLF chiefs have admitted blundering over a ruling on Rory McIlroy as he lost out in an agonising US Open finale.
Wyndham Clark went on to beat the Brit by ONE SHOT amid a thrilling final round at the Los Angeles Country Club earlier this month.
Rory McIlroy struggled to find his ball in the bunker at the 14th hole on the last day of the US Open and was then wrongly given a free drop
McIlroy finished up getting a bogey, then failed to get any more birdies
American star Wyndham Clark celebrates winning his first Major, with a narrow triumph from McIlroy at the US Open in LA
But in different circumstances a decision by rules official Courtney Myrhum on the 14th hole could have proved costly.
USGA chief governance officer Thomas Pagel has revealed McIlroy was wrongly given a free drop.
The Northern Ireland superstar struggled to find his third shot after it embedded in long grass on the inside edge of a bunker.
And when McIlroy did locate it, Myrhum got her verdict wrong – enabling him to drop the ball into a slightly better position.
Pagel told Sports Illustrated: “The nearest point of relief was mis-identified – it should have been directly behind the ball.
“If there’s no area immediately behind the ball, you go to the nearest point in the general area.
“But if you look at where the ball was embedded, there was a grassy area below and that should have been the starting point.”
Pagel stressed Myrhum was an “an extremely well-qualified referee and she did everything in her judgment where to operate the drop”.
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In any case the difference was only about 18 inches.
And ultimately it was a Major error with minor consequences.
That’s because McIlroy failed to get his ball up and down, meaning he recorded a bogey six.
After that, the 34-year-old was unable to notch any birdies,- handing Clark the narrowest of victories.
Ironically, Pagel’s confession follows eagle-eyed viewers claiming the American moved the ball when lining up a swing on that crucial back nine.
Had officials spotted and agreed with that verdict, Clark would almost certainly have been penalised by a title-turning two shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can my golf score be reduced by five strokes
The first thing you must do is to improve your swing mechanics. You probably know how to hold the club correctly, but if you don’t feel comfortable swinging the club properly, you won’t get the proper feedback from your body. Once you’ve learned how to hold the club correctly, you can focus on strengthening your flexibility and strength. Slowly start, then work your way up to greater distances. As you get better scores, your game will become consistent.
How can you improve your golf game in a matter of hours?
Practice 20 minutes per session, three times per week, to improve your ability to play golf. If you want to be able to play well at any tournament, then you need to practice consistently. Practice makes perfect!
What is the average golf score for a weekend golfer?
A beginner’s average golf score is 100. As you get better at golf, your scores improve. You’ll most likely begin with 9 holes and progress to 18 holes.
Are you more skilled at watching professionals play?
Watching pro players play makes you better at video games. Studying how others play can help improve your game and allow you to learn from their mistakes. Being inspired by the best players can help you become a better player.
Is it possible to make money by playing golf
Absolutely! As a professional golfer, there are many ways to make additional income. You could teach lessons, sell merchandise, host tournaments or even participate in celebrity events.
Are golfing and bad for me?
Golf is good for you. It’s actually very healthy. Studies show that golfers live longer lives than non-golfer. Golfers also have a tendency to be happier because they are less stressed.
Statistics
- The blade aim at impact controls 92% of the ball’s start line, so prioritise face aim as a place to start (todaysgolfer.co.uk)
- According to Shot Scope’s database of more than 30 million shots, 80% of missed greens are missed short. (todaysgolfer.co.uk)
- Trackman found that over 65% of amateur’s golf shots finish short of the target from 160 yards. (golfinsideruk.com)
- Or that, on the greens, some 84% of putts over five feet also finish short of the hole? (todaysgolfer.co.uk)
- However, if you go in thinking that you will get all the way down to a 10, you will likely stunt your progress because your expectations are way out of line. (practical-golf.com)
External Links
shotscope.com
nicklaus.com
faziodesign.com
golfdigest.com
- Bags, Balls and Clubs
- Golf Digest has more great exercises for you to improve your golf game in five weeks
How To
How to Improve Your Golf Swing
How to Improve Your Golf Swing
The key to improving your golf swing is to practice. Practice makes perfect! Spending time practicing your swing every day is the best way to improve it. It is important to work consistently if you are looking to improve. It is important to practice at least five times per semaine. To get results, it’s crucial to practice this consistently.
It is best to start slowly when learning how golf. You can start by learning how to play short shots. Then, you can move on to more difficult shots. This will allow you to build strength and endurance. When you first start playing golf, it is common to struggle with the swing. You will improve your golf swing if you work hard.
Try swinging from different stances. The ball can be hit while you are standing still. Next, move forward and back. Next, try walking backwards to hit the ball. You can also hit the ball while running. Each of these swings require a different stance and position. These exercises will help determine which position and stance is best for you. You can then use these stances and positions in real games.
Keep track of your progress. You can track your progress and see areas where you need to improve. Write down everything you practice doing. Keep track how many times you practice each day and score your progress. You can use this information to assess your progress.
Professional instructors can give you lessons if you are having difficulty developing a strong swing. A qualified teacher can teach you proper technique and give you tips on how to improve your game. You can also get advice from them on choosing the right equipment. Your chances of success are greatly increased if you have someone who is knowledgeable about the subject.
Golf is a very popular sport today. Each year, millions play this sport. You can learn many tips to improve your golf game. Some of these tips include practicing your swing, learning how to read greens, and improving your short game.
