The New Golf Rules 2019, that was launched to simplify the game for the Golfers, have spawned a new web of controversies.  We bring you the top three controversies that dominated the Golfing terrain.

 

 

When Haotong Li lost $100,000 on caddie alignment row

 

 

 

 

Li became the first player to be penalized under the rule which prohibits caddies from standing on or close to an extension of the line of play.

 

Li was handed a two-shot penalty Sunday at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic when caddie Mike Burrow was adjudged to have breached rule 10.3b(3) while Li was putting on the 18th green.

 

 

 

Ariya, Olson backstopping incident

 

 

 

 

Dominating the headlines last week was a blatant backstopping incident on the LPGA Tour between Ariya Jutanugarn and Amy Olson during the second round of the Honda Thailand event.

 

 

Jutanugarn played her shot to within a foot of the hole and was about to go up to mark it when Olson made a signal to her playing partner, and Jutanugarn left the ball unmarked. Olson then played her shot and her ball hit Jutanugarn’s, leaving it closer to the hole than it would have ended up, and the two celebrated.

 

 

Why is it a big deal? The main issue surrounds the integrity of the game: by doing it to help out another player in your group get a better chance at scoring it can be deemed unfair to the rest of the field, and if it’s done intentionally, it’s also against the rules.

 

 

Disqualification of Sergio Garcia

 

 

 

 

Sergio Garcia was disqualified from the Saudi International because of ‘serious misconduct’ on Saturday.

 

 

Garcia was accused by fellow players of purposefully hitting his clubs into the surface of the greens causing damage. Garcia posted a 1-over 71 in the third round but was ultimately disqualified by the European Tour via Rule 1.2a.

 

 

This is how the USGA explains Rule 1.2a, which relates to player conduct, under the new Rules of Golf:

 

 

It declares that players are expected to play in the spirit of the game by acting with integrity, showing consideration to others and taking good care of the course.

 

(Agencies)

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