‘Never, ever seen that before’ – Pieters bizarrely gets free drop after claiming he never meant to hit shocking putt

THOMAS PIETERS was bizarrely given a free drop after claiming he was distracted when trying to putt.

The 30-year-old Belgian was playing the third alongside Ewen Ferguson and Victor Perez at the Cazoo Open de France on Friday.

Pieters went to putt but made a mess of it

The Belgian claimed he was distracted by noise coming from the crowd

Pieters was then given a free drop

The 30-year-old split opinion on social media

As Pieters began his stroke on his 35-foot birdie putt, a crying child is said to have distracted him.

And despite attempting to stop he was unable to prevent contact with the ball.

Pieters explained to officials he attempted to stop – which they agreed with.

And so they let the former Ryder Cup star replace his ball and retake his putt.

One of Sky Sport’s commentators said: “Never, ever seen that before!”

Officials applied Rule 13d of the Rules of Golf.

The rule is applied to accidents causing a ball or ball marker to move on the green.

It states: “There is no penalty if the player, opponent or another player in stroke play accidentally moves the player’s ball or ball-marker on the putting green.”

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As a result, the ball should be replaced and played from its original spot.

However, the call to allow Pieters to retake his putt has been criticised on social media.

One viewer fumed: “That is a ridiculous ruling. And could open the door to all sorts of ‘I wanted to stop but didn’t’ claims.

“If you address the ball, take the club back and hit the ball, surely it’s a stroke?!”

Another said: “I think he definitely tried to pull back and stop his motion…but a very grey area…that’s an interesting call to make.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average game of golf?

An average golfer is able to shoot between 80-85 yards and their driver.

Can I play golf?

Golf is good for your health. Golf is actually quite healthy. Studies show that golfers live longer lives than non-golfer. They are happier because they tend to have less stress.

How do I improve my golf score?

These tips can help you improve your golf game quickly.

1. Do more practice and less play. You can improve your skills by practicing more. Playing too much means you’re practicing bad habits.
2. When you feel good, play. There are times when it is not easy to play golf. Don’t force your self to do things you don’t like. Instead, find ways you can make golf fun again.
3. Pause. Golfers like to take breaks during rounds to stretch, walk around, have lunch or just relax. Taking breaks can help your body relax and keep you focused throughout the round.
4. Drink water It’s easy not to keep track of how many drinks were consumed while you are out on the course. Be sure to drink enough water, so you don’t get dehydrated. A good way to feel refreshed is to drink lots of water before, while, and after your game.
5. Be healthy. Eat healthy foods such fruits, vegetables, lean meat, whole grains and low-fat dairy products to give you energy, so you can perform well at the course.
6. Keep hydrated. Drinking lots of water is the best way to stay hydrated. You should try drinking at least eight glasses of water per day. This includes water that is made from beverages, such as coffee, as well plain water.
7. Warm up properly. Before hitting the first shot in a round, warm up by walking or jogging for five minutes. Then, focus on getting loose and limber.
8. Keep your head down. It’s important that you keep your eyes focused on the ball when you tee-off. Don’t look at the ball and pay attention to where it hits. Your eyes should be focused on the hole instead.
9. Swing with proper form. Proper form can mean different things to different people. But, generally speaking, you want to avoid swinging through your target. Instead, aim to strike the ball at the center of your target.
10. Keep your eyes on the process. There are many things that go into a successful swing of golf, but focusing on the process will allow you to develop the best technique. For example, if you have trouble keeping your hands still, then focus on relaxing your grip. Or, if you struggle to maintain balance, then focus on maintaining good posture.

Do I really need a golf course membership to play golf?

You don’t need to join the golf club. But, you do have access to all the amenities at the course like the driving ranges, the putting greens, or the locker rooms.

Does watching golf improve your game?

Yes, it makes my game better!

Golf is one of the most popular sports around the world. The game involves hitting a golf ball towards a target using different distances, with sticks or clubs. It’s an excellent way to have fun and spend time outdoors. You may not know, but there are many advantages to playing golf. Here are a few:

• Golf helps you get fit
• Playing golf makes you feel good
• Playing does not require that you think too hard
• Playing golf teaches you patience
• Inspiration can be found in watching golf
• Golf is fun
• Golf is easy to master
• Golf is less expensive than other sports
• Golf is an excellent stress-relieving activity
• Golf is a social activity

How can my golf game be improved overnight?

You can improve your game by practicing 20 minutes per day, three days a week. Practice consistently if your goal is to play well in every tournament. Practice makes perfect!

Statistics

• Shot Scope’s mapping data reveals 72% of danger is at the front of the green (sand or water), whereas there’s only 28% behind. (todaysgolfer.co.uk)
• This means as much as 50% of your practice time. (practical-golf.com)
• According to Shot Scope’s database of more than 30 million shots, 80% of missed greens are missed short. (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)
• Or that, on the greens, some 84% of putts over five feet also finish short of the hole? (todaysgolfer.co.uk)

External Links

flagstick.com

• Flagstick.com
  

troy.golf

• Swing Tempo Mastery With Adam Bazalgette
  

nicklaus.com

• Nicklaus Companies
  

faziodesign.com

• Fazio Design
  

How To

Five Easy Steps to Lower Golf Scores

1. Start by getting the right equipment. It’s important to have the right equipment. Learn how to golf from a professional. Ask around at the local driving school if there isn’t anyone you know who plays. Some instructors might give you a free lesson because they love seeing new faces.
2. Practice makes perfect. This goes without saying, but if you really want to improve your game, you’ll need to practice. It doesn’t matter whether you’re playing alone or with friends; practicing is essential. When you do begin to practice, keep track of your progress. Take down all of your activities so that you can track where you are succeeding and where you still need improvement.
3. Play more. It may feel overwhelming to start out golfing. But once you get in a rhythm, you’ll find that you actually enjoy it. Next, increase your playing frequency. Try to play three or more times per week (or every day). That means one round of 18 holes during the weekend and two rounds of 9 holes during the week.
4. Don’t forget to eat well. Many people believe that eating breakfast is a way to do their bodies a favor. But this isn’t healthy. Try to eat something before leaving the house. You should ideally eat small snacks that contain protein, carbohydrates, fat, and fiber. When you arrive at the course you can have a light dinner of lean protein and vegetables.
5. Drink plenty of water. Drinking lots of fluids helps prevent dehydration, which can lead to headaches and muscle aches. Plus, drinking water keeps your body properly hydrated, which is essential for optimal performance.