Fact or Fiction: Debating Whether This Rule is Too Easy on Pro Golfers
The PGA Tour is heading to the mainland and we're heading to our third edition of SI Golf: Fact or Fiction.
Once again, we hat tip our friends on the NFL side at SI and post a series of topical statements for writers and editors to declare as “Fact” or “Fiction” along with a brief explanation. Responses may also be "Neutral" since there's a lot of gray area in golf.
Do you agree or disagree? Let us know on the SI Golf X (formerly Twitter) account or Instagram.
Carl Yuan received free relief on the 72nd hole at the Sony Open from an errant shot apparently hit into a grandstand, yet the ball was not found. The free-drop rule for "temporary immovable obstructions" is too favorable for the pros.
FICTION. Best to just be consistent on the grandstand rule, otherwise you'll have DraftKings bettors slipping stray golf balls into their pockets to create penalties and swing their bets. —Jeff Ritter
FACT. The rule is far to favorable, but how do you make money if you don’t have spectators and grandstands. What is the oddest part of this is the ball was never found. Obviously, aliens didn’t come down and take it, but a lost ball is a lost ball, in a grandstand or in a tree, lost is lost. —Alex Miceli
Hit wayward shot into grandstand, take free drop. Is that fair?
Ron T. Ennis/Getty Images
FICTION. The rule itself is necessary for such situations. It would be unfair to penalize a player for hitting his ball into a structure that is not normally there. The problem is the temporary obstructions themselves. They are often way too close to the competition itself. And that is why it looks bad when these issues arise. And it leads to the very prevalent occurrence where players purposely aim for the structures, knowing there is not going to be repercussions. The bigger issue with the Yuan situation is where the ball actually ended up. It was never found and while there is a model local rule for that as it relates to a TIO, there was considerable question about that ball’s final resting place. —Bob Harig
FACT. No offense to Carl because this wasn’t his fault, but that ball was headed for Mars and he got a free drop in the fairway. Something needs to be done about TIO before a result is truly impacted by this ridiculous rule. Off the top of my head, I would have liked to see a “drop zone” for that grandstand specifically at the Sony—and ideally it would not be placed in a spot that allows for an easy flip wedge into the green. —Gabby Herzig
FACT. Rules officials say that grandstands aren't part of the challenge of the course, but why not? Is it not asking pro golfers too much to strategize around them as if they were hazards? Some of these drops border on absurd and it cheapens the competition. —John Schwarb
Rory McIlroy said he'll play more tournaments before the Masters than in previous years to be "a bit sharper" as he prepares for another shot at the career Grand slam. That's a smart strategy.
FACT. Since Rory has rarely brought his best to Augusta, especially during his opening rounds, it makes perfect sense to tweak his schedule in the run-up to the event. —J.R.
FACT. Well, nothing else has worked. As he gets older, McIlroy has less and less legitimate opportunities at the Masters and the Grand Slam. At the same time, Rahm, Koepka, Spieth, Scheffler are all very proficient at Augusta National. It’s time to try something different. —A.M.
FACT. For 10 years, McIlroy has been searching for the proper formula to get ready for the Masters. And while he’s finished in the top 10 several times, he’s not really been there with a chance on the back nine on Sunday. Last year was a great disappointment when he came in with a great attitude and missed the cut. Perhaps this plan takes his mind off it more as it’s a lot of golf to play prior to the Masters. Maybe it will be better to go in with more competitive reps and less time spent on the grounds at Augusta National. —B.H.
FACT. If there is anything McIlroy can do to improve his chances at Augusta, this might be it. Last year his strategy around the Masters involved working with mental coach Bob Rotella, and even that didn’t do him any favors. Playing more will give McIlroy more competitive reps before April, and any great player will tell you that repetition is the key to performing well under pressure. —G.H.
NEUTRAL. Hard to tell as we sit here in January. If he doesn't play well in his last few starts before Augusta, there could be whispers that he's not in form. But generally I'll take reps over rest. —J.S.
Keith Pelley is leaving the DP World Tour for a job in his native Canada but said he's staying for three more months to help finalize the framework agreement. A deal must be close.
FICTION. It might be close. It could be close. But is it actually close? Inquiring minds want to know. —J.R.
FICTION. Mainly because such agreements take a long time to get consummated do I go with fiction. Pelly is one of the more adept business professionals on the Tour side and his presence is important and maybe even necessary. And while I believe he believes they are near, I still say fiction. —A.M.
FACT. Pelley is the first person in months in an executive role who has spoken openly about the negotiations. It’s telling that he is leaving his position but said he wants to stay on for three more months to see this concluded. What is unknown is if an announced deal would still need considerable effort to work out all the details. —B.H.
FICTION. I would hope so, but I’m still very skeptical, even with Pelley sticking around for a few more months. It seems as though the new talking point for players on both Tours is pushing an emphasis on “global” exposure for the game. It is true that Pelley will be key in integrating this idea, if it does become a real focus. —G.H.
FICTION. I'll believe it when I see it. The chatter is just that. —J.S.
