RULES OF GOLF

One of the many rules of golf include movement of a loose impediment in an area marked as a hazard.  The rule simply states that a golfer may NOT ground his/her club while in a hazard, nor may remove or move a "loose impediment" with either your hand, club, etc...   The penalty for doing so is a 2-stroke penalty.

Believe it or not this came into play yesterday during the final round of the Verizon Heritage Classic in Hilton Head.

During the final round Jim Furyk and "Tiger Woods" were in the last pairing. Furyk was ahead by 1 stroke. and pars the 18th. Woods hit a tremendous approach shot, made birdie to tie and force a playoff.

So back to the 18th tee for both Furyk and Tiger.  Bot miss the green, but Furyk chips to within 8 feet. Tiger misses left and ball comes to rest in a hazard. Tiger then plays a sandtrap type shot out of the hazard. Has about 30 feet for par.  BUT WAIT...........Tiger calls over a rules official and say that while hovering his club and in the process of his backswing he nipped a loose "reed". (you know, type of beach grass).

No one else saw it nor could have. It took about a dozen up close slow motion TV shots to really see the club make a single reed wiggle.  There was no effect or help to his shot as a result of this. But hey, its the rules and Tiger, being a fine gentleman, calls a 2 shot penalty on himself which gives the playoff and tournament win to Furyk.

Oh, what?....I'm sorry,  it wasn't Tiger Woods.  It was little known Brian Davis who has never won a Tour event..........................................