The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
USGA in measures to prevent repeat of ‘amateur hour’
Tournament officials will use on-course video review stations at Erin Hills to avoid a repeat of the farcical situation which overshadowed last year’s US Open.
Dustin Johnson claimed his first major title at Oakmont 12 months ago, but only after being given a one-shot penalty following an incident which left players, officials and spectators unsure of his score with just seven holes to play.
Johnson had overturned a four-shot deficit to seemingly move two shots clear of the field before being told on the 12th tee that officials would review an incident on his fifth hole after the round.
The 32-year-old had seen his ball move fractionally as he lined up a putt, but called in the referee walking with his group and was initially cleared of any wrongdoing before holing out for par.
Rory McIlroy labelled the decision to
review the incident after the round as “amateur hour” from the USGA (United States Golf Association), who revealed yesterday the steps they have taken to avoid something similar happening.
“I think last year there were two things we fell short on,” John Bodenhamer, the senior managing director of championships said. “It took too long to make the ruling and it left uncertainty with the competition.
“I think should a similar circumstance happen I think we are poised to move quickly.
“We’ve enhanced the technology so we’ll be able to have a quick look.
“We have four on-course video-review locations to assist us in expediting our rules decision-making process.
USGA executive director Mike Davis said. “We know we’ve had some issues the last two years.
“So moving forward we want a nice, smooth US Open.
“But you never know what’s going to happen with Mother Nature.
“You’re never going to know what happens with certain rule situations or how the players play the course,” he added.
“So you just deal with them and you remain nimble and flexible.”
As part of that philosophy some of the tall fescue grass was cut down on the fourth, 12th, 14th and 18th on Tuesday, although Davis insisted that was not due to complaints from some players.
“It’s not as if we don’t listen to feedback from players, but I will tell you in this case it had nothing to do, absolutely zero to do with what the players were saying,” Davis added.
“We looked at some spots and we said this is simply not going to play properly.”
We know we’ve had some issues the last two years. MIKE DAVIS