Dustin Johnson Victorious Despite Rules Controversy

 

Frank-Guastella-Playing-By-The-Rules-Banner-with-Website-Background_edited-1 After several near misses, Dustin Johnson finally closed the deal and won the 2016 US Open at Oakmont Country Club.  Added to the pressure of trying to win the US Open was a possible penalty lingering over his head from the fifth green where he was standing over a putt when his ball moved. The ball moved ever so slightly as he got ready to hit the putt.  Johnson immediately called in a Rules Official and insisted that that he was not the cause of the ball moving.  After listening to Johnson and assessing what he heard, the referee made the judgement that Johnson had not caused the ball to move and no penalty was issued.  Play resumed.  Seven holes later, Johnson was informed by a USGA official that the incident was still under review.

Rule 34-2 Referee’s Decision states: “If a referee has been appointed by the Committee, his decision is final”, whether or not the decision is correct.  Sounds cut and dried.  But that is not necessarily correct.  The Committee reserves the right to review all infractions.  In this case they did just that, they reviewed Johnson’s actions on video tape and they felt his actions may have caused the ball to move.  By the time they called in the head Rules Official and the referee that made the call, Johnson was on the eleventh hole.  A USGA Official met Johnson on the 12th tee and apprised him of the situation.  They also notified the rest of the field.

Rule 34-3 Committee’s Decision, does not prevent a Committee from changing a ruling (See Decision 34-3/1).   Based on the evidence furnished, the referee determined that Johnson did not cause the ball to move and he instructed Johnson to play the ball as it lies without penalty.  After a player plays, the Committee can assess the the same evidence or additional evidence.  In Johnson’s case, the Committee reviewed the tapes of his actions and determined that he had caused the ball to move.   He was assessed a one stroke penalty on the completion of his round.

Under Rule 34-3, a Committee’s decision is final.  The Rule does not prevent a Committee from correcting an incorrect ruling and imposing or rescinding a penalty provided that no penalty is imposed or rescinded after the competition is closed, except in circumstances set forth in Rule 34-1b.

Frank Guastella, PGA Rules Official Michigan Section PGA
Staff Writer, Mike Fay Golf
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Where Does The Term Birdie Come From?

Backspin

Where Does The Term Birdie Come From?

We all love making birdies.  Who doesn’t right?  But did you know the origin of the term?  Well, in golf history standards the term birdie isn’t that old at all.

Atlantic City Country Club in 1903 and the story goes something like this.  Brothers Ab and William P. Smith where playing a round of golf with George A Crump, who later went on to build Pine Valley.  They where playing the par 4 2nd hole at the country club.  Ab Smith’s second shot went within inches of the hole and he proclaimed, “That was a bird of a shot.”  He proclaimed that with a score of one under par he should be paid double for such a feat.  It was agreed upon and from that day forward we call that a “birdie”.

To see all the featured articles of Backspin-The History of the Game please click here.

Thank you for reading and please leave your comments below.

Sources:  www.scottishgolfhistory.org, USGA Golf Museum

Mike Fay

Mike Fay

PGA Director of Instruction

With over 30 years of teaching experience, it's easy to see why Mike has become a leader in the world of golf instruction. Everything from cutting edge social networking techniques to having his own podcast, Mike has helped to change the face of teaching golf.  He currently is the Director of Instruction at Walnut Creek Country Club in South Lyon, Michigan.

Email:  [email protected]

Backspin Archives

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The Origins of the Masters Theme Song So where did the Masters theme song come from?  That iconic music you hear every year around Masters time.  So soothing and peaceful. Makes you think of azaleas, beautiful green grass, perfectly manicured fairways and especially...

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Where Does The Term Birdie Come From?

Where Does The Term Birdie Come From? We all love making birdies.  Who doesn't right?  But did you know the origin of the term?  Well, in golf history standards the term birdie isn't that old at all. Atlantic City Country Club in 1903 and the story goes something like...

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The Masters Green Jacket

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Feel That Pressure On Your Thumb

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Staying Centered

Staying Centered

 

Staying centered is very important to your golf swing.  Moving too much laterally can cause a multitude of problems.  First off, moving your swing center causes the bottom of your swing to be too far behind or in front of the ball.  I usually see two major faults that cause this to happen.

The first fault is ball position.  For example, if the ball position is too far behind where it should be, the player usually moves the upper body too far over the rear foot in an attempt to get behind the ball.  At times this causes the lead arm to run into the chest too soon and the lead elbow to bend.  A major power leak which can lead to casting the club. 

The second major fault I often see is the lateral motion of the hips.  The hips should turn and not slide on the backswing.  Sliding can cause many problems with weight shift.  It’s nearly impossible to get back to a proper impact position.  Most times it causes poor contact.

So stay centered and keep your hips and head between the lines! 

Please comment below!

Mike Fay

Mike Fay

PGA Director of Instruction

With over 30 years of teaching experience, it's easy to see why Mike has become a leader in the world of golf instruction. Everything from cutting edge social networking techniques to having his own podcast, Mike has helped to change the face of teaching golf.  He currently is the Director of Instruction at Walnut Creek Country Club in South Lyon, Michigan.

Email:  [email protected]

The Claret Jug

Backspin

The Claret Jug

The first British Open was contested in 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club and stayed there for some 11 years.  Originally the winner of the British Open received something called the “Challenge Belt.” The Challenge Belt was created by the Earl of Eglinton.  It was made of rich morocco leather and garnished with a silver buckle and many emblems.  The first Challenge Belt was purchased by the Prestwick Golf Club.

In the Spring of 1871, Prestwick held a meeting and decided to open the championship to the involvement of other clubs.  With no event held that year, the next  decisions where made in September of 1872 when it was decided to have Prestwick, the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club team together to find a solution.  These 3 clubs joined together to create new awards.  The winner of the event would receive the “The Golf Champion Trophy” commonly known today as the Claret Jug.  The belt was no more thanks to Tom Morris Jr.

In 1920 the three clubs decided to hand over the trophy responsibility to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club.  After Bobby Jones’ victory in 1927 came more changes.  Prior to that time, winners could take the trophy for themselves.  The R & A GC decided to retain the trophy and a replica was made for the winner. Although 4 other replicas were made over the years for display purposes, winners have been getting replicas ever since.   

That brings us to this year’s British Open to be held at Royal Lytham and St. Annes. The last time the event was held there was in 2001 when David Duval was the victor. 

For more information on the qualifiers, players and the road leading up to the British Open.

Photo courtesy of AP, James Hardie/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Mike Fay

Mike Fay

PGA Director of Instruction

With over 30 years of teaching experience, it's easy to see why Mike has become a leader in the world of golf instruction. Everything from cutting edge social networking techniques to having his own podcast, Mike has helped to change the face of teaching golf.  He currently is the Director of Instruction at Walnut Creek Country Club in South Lyon, Michigan.

Email:  [email protected]

Backspin Archives

The Origins of The Masters Theme Song

The Origins of the Masters Theme Song So where did the Masters theme song come from?  That iconic music you hear every year around Masters time.  So soothing and peaceful. Makes you think of azaleas, beautiful green grass, perfectly manicured fairways and especially...

read more

Where Does The Term Birdie Come From?

Where Does The Term Birdie Come From? We all love making birdies.  Who doesn't right?  But did you know the origin of the term?  Well, in golf history standards the term birdie isn't that old at all. Atlantic City Country Club in 1903 and the story goes something like...

read more

The Masters Green Jacket

The Origins of the Masters Theme Song The Masters Green Jacket has been worn by members of Augusta National since 1937.  That year the members used the jackets to identify themselves from the crowd to assist patrons of the event.  The first Masters Jacket was awarded...

read more

TEAM MFG BLOG

Mike Fay Named Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional

We are truly honored to announce that Mike Fay has been named a Top 100 Growth of the Game Teaching Professional from the Golf Range Association of America and PGA Magazine.  This is the 4th time in Mike's career receiving this national award.  Thank you GRAA and PGA...

Fixing The Hooks

Working on the hooks working both the low point and the path. A former slicer that went a little too far. Looking much better! Please leave your comments below.With over 30 years of teaching experience, it's easy to see why Mike has become a leader in the world of...

Let Your Shoulder Hit Your Chin On The Backswing

Let Your Shoulder Hit Your Chin On Your Backswing Staying centered in your backswing swing is important. Allowing your left shoulder to hit your chin helps you stay centered and to not sway your chest too much off the golf ball. Please leave your comments below.With...

Just Push, Don’t Slide

Just Push, Don't Slide Getting foot pressure to the lead side is so important. Lead side foot pressure starts with a push and not a slide. Please leave your comments below.With over 30 years of teaching experience, it's easy to see why Mike has become a leader in the...

Feel That Pressure On Your Thumb

Feel That Pressure On Your Thumb Keeping your hands together on the club is super important. If they seperate you lose control. Here we use trail hand thumb pressure to improve impact. Please leave your comments below.With over 30 years of teaching experience, it's...

Move The Handle On The Takeaway

Move The Handle On The Takeaway It's no good when the hands go out and the club goes in on the takeaway. Here we get the feeling of moving the handle without moving the club head so much. #golf #Detroit #golfswing #takeaway Please leave your comments below.With over...

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