MAJOR MOVE
US Open tweaks to avoid a repeat of Dustin debacle
NEW measures will be in place at this week’s US Open to stop another rules controversy from casting a shadow over the event.
The major talking point at last year’s championship was a one- shot penalty incurred by eventual champion Dustin Johnson in the final round for a small movement of his ball on the fifth green.
The American was not informed of the infringement until he reached the 12th tee.
Under the new rules, though, the same situation would not result in a penalty for the player involved.
Local rules offering a more common-sense approach to inadvertent ball movement on the greens, improved technology to speed up video reviews and a white-hat official with the power to make instantaneous decisions will be all be seen in Wisconsin.
USGA’s John Bodenhamer said: “We didn’t do everything right last year, we took too long and left uncertainty. But we’ve learned from that and we believe we’re in a good position to go forward.”
Johnson was cleared by an on-course official of wrongdoing 12 months ago at Oakmont but six holes later he was told by officials that he MIGHT be subject to a one-shot penalty, leaving his score at the time in doubt.
The USGA came in for withering criticism from players and fans alike – not just for finally imposing the one-shot penalty but also for the way they dithered so badly.
Bodenhamer said last year’s delayed ruling was in part due to key rules officials being out on the golf course and it taking time for them to get off the course to review the footage.
“There will be on- course locations for video review for the first time at the US Open,” the rules guru added.
“We will make sure that the members of our committee, which will be five people this year, will all be in close proximity at all times and they’ll have access to technology that will allow them to make an instantaneous review.
“We have designated our own ‘white hat’ chief referee who makes the final call and is em powered to make an instantaneous decision.”
Johnson, who missed The Masters through injury, will start the defence of his title in the same group as Jordan Spieth and Martin Kaymer on Thursday.
Rory McIlroy will play the first two rounds with Jason Day and Justin Rose while British fans will be able to watch the trio of Lee Westwood, Graeme McDowell and Ross Fisher.