18-01-2014, 18:20
Stupid rules of golf
Rory McIlroy thought he had carded a four-under 68 in the third round of the Abu Dhabi Championship to be a shot off the lead and one ahead of Open champion Phil Mickelson, who shot 63.
But he was penalised for having one foot on a spectator walkway while dropping his ball on the second hole.
"There are some stupid rules in golf and this is one of them," said McIlroy.
McIlroy was only informed of the possible infringement after finishing his round, though before he had signed his card.
The former world number one accompanied European Tour chief referee John Paramor to the scene of the incident in an attempt to resolve the issue.
After looking at the area from which McIlroy had played his shot, it was determined that his left foot would have been on the white line marking the crossing.
That meant he had not taken full relief and a two-shot penalty was applied to his score, turning a par into a double bogey and a 68 into a 70.
Rory McIlroy thought he had carded a four-under 68 in the third round of the Abu Dhabi Championship to be a shot off the lead and one ahead of Open champion Phil Mickelson, who shot 63.
But he was penalised for having one foot on a spectator walkway while dropping his ball on the second hole.
"There are some stupid rules in golf and this is one of them," said McIlroy.
McIlroy was only informed of the possible infringement after finishing his round, though before he had signed his card.
The former world number one accompanied European Tour chief referee John Paramor to the scene of the incident in an attempt to resolve the issue.
After looking at the area from which McIlroy had played his shot, it was determined that his left foot would have been on the white line marking the crossing.
That meant he had not taken full relief and a two-shot penalty was applied to his score, turning a par into a double bogey and a 68 into a 70.
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