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Emiliano Grillo could have hit a moving ball?!?
That and all the other crazy things we learned from his bizarre rules incident over the weekend including cart path drops…
We admit to being guilty from time to time of overusing the terms “bizarre” and “rules incident” in the same sentence. But we’re not entirely sure how to more aptly characterize what happened to Emiliano Grillo on the 72nd hole of the Charles Schwab Challenge than as, well, a “bizarre rules incident.”
It all becomes more, ahem, bizarre thanks to the fact that Grillo overcame the double-bogey 6 he would make on the 72nd hole to win in a playoff anyway, ending a nearly eight-year PGA Tour victory drought when he looked like it was drifting away down that aqueduct along the 18th hole.
Here then is our attempt at explaining what went down and why it was so … again, sorry, bizarre…
The set-up
Grillo started the day at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth four shots back of Harry Hall and Adam Schenk but made a furious charge, birdieing four of his first seven holes. As Schenk and Hall struggled down the stretch, both searching for their first PGA Tour wins, Grillo took a two-shot lead with another birdie on the par-3 16th. That was his advantage as he stood on the 18th tee at 10 under for the tournament.
All wet off the tee
Despite being ahead by two, Grillo used a driver off the tee, the ball leaking quickly to the right. It eventually found its way into a penalty area to the right of the fairway, in an aqueduct with water about two to three inches deep.
Downstream issues
The aqueduct tilted downhill back toward the tee, so as the ball entered the water, it started following the flow and moving backward. Slowly. Very slowly …
The rules explained
Mark Dusbabek, the PGA Tour rules official working the broadcast, helped explain to Jim Nantz, Trevor Immelman, and the CBS crew what was going on in real-time as he was also listening in to the rules team’s discussions. Dusbabek explained that they had identified where the ball had entered the penalty area (roughly 187 yards away from the hole), which was the likely place Grillo would take a drop and play what would be his third shot with the penalty stroke. However, as the ball continued moving—as we said very slowly—down the aqueduct, there was the potential that Grillo could actually play the ball while it was moving.
Rule 10.1d notes that “A player must not make a stroke at a moving ball.” However, there are a few exceptions also listed. Exception 3 states, “When a ball is moving in temporary water or in water in a penalty area, the player may make a stroke.”
Dusbabek noted the potential for Grillo to hit the moving ball, but did Grillo know he could? Turns out he likely did, since he’d been in this aqueduct before.
“I’ve hit it there,” Grillo said after the round. “I knew, as soon as I saw the ball going right, I was like, ‘This is going to be a very long hole.’ I’ve been through that pain of watching the ball just roll 120 yards back.”
Decision time
As the ball kept moving, however, Dusbabek explained that eventually, Grillo had to make up his mind on how he wanted to proceed. He couldn’t wait forever to see if the ball would stop in a more advantageous spot or not or if he was set to hit it while it was moving. And after roughly seven minutes, Dusbabek even interjected that the committee had decided enough was enough and that Grillo would have to decide to play the ball where it entered the penalty area (or presumably take a stroke and distance penalty and go back to the tee).
“We as a committee have been talking about it but enough time has taken place and he has been given enough time to make a decision here, so we’re going to make him go back to where it last crossed,” Dusbabek said.
Moments later, the ball did stop against a rock, roughly 140 yards or so from where it entered the penalty area.
Third shot off a cart path?!?
The camera eventually showed Grillo taking a penalty drop just outside the aqueduct but the ball rolling back in. He did this twice and then placed the ball on the concrete, which got the curiosity of Immelman.
“Dus, why was he allowed to drop it on the path right there?”
Dusbabek alerted everyone that the red line for the penalty area was right of where he took the drop. So the cement path was not in the penalty area, and is considered an immovable obstruction. Grillo didn’t seem to be phased by it as he showed no hesitation in what was going to happen next.
Grillo played his third shot off the concrete, getting a pretty clean shot off. The ball advanced 146 yards, leaving him 44 yards left to get up and down for a bogey, that would still have given him a one-shot lead. But the fourth shot stopped 19 feet from the hole and he missed the bogey putt.
The rest of the story
To his credit, Grillo didn’t mope around after his stumble, signing for a two-under 68 and waiting to see what would happen to Schenk and Hall as they played the 18th hole. Sure enough, Hall also found water, although the more traditional sort, as he pulled his drive into a small pond left of the fairway. He’d eventually make a bogey to finish tied for third.
Schenk had a chance to win in regulation with a birdie try from 15 feet but just came up short, forcing a playoff. They both replayed the 18th for the first sudden-death hole, Grillo finding the fairway this time. Pars from both sent them to the par-3 16th, where a birdie from Grillo would clinch the victory.
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The Art of Golf Course Photography
Capturing a golf course’s essence involves conveying its beauty and tranquility through masterful photography techniques.
Capturing the Beauty of the Game
Ahoy, shutterbug golfers! This week, we’re diving into the enchanting world of golf course photography – because what better way to preserve the magic of the game than through the lens of a camera?
Check out the work by Peter Gibb he takes to the sky and photographs some iconic golf holes and then paints them on these beautiful canvases. Perhaps his style will inspire you as you capture your own images.
So grab your cameras, polish your lenses, and let’s explore the art of capturing the beauty of the game:
1. Seek out Stunning Vistas: Every golf course has its own unique beauty waiting to be discovered. Whether it’s a breathtaking ocean view, a majestic mountain backdrop, or a lush green fairway stretching into the horizon, seek out stunning vistas that showcase the natural splendor of the course.
2. Embrace Golden Hour: The golden hour – that magical time just after sunrise or before sunset – is a photographer’s best friend. The soft, warm light bathes the landscape in a golden glow, casting long shadows and creating dramatic contrasts. Embrace the golden hour to capture your golf course in all its radiant glory.
3. Focus on Details: While sweeping landscapes are certainly breathtaking, don’t overlook the smaller details that make each golf course unique. Whether it’s the intricate design of a bunker, the delicate petals of a flower, or the serene reflection of a pond, focus on capturing the finer details that add depth and character to the scene.
4. Experiment with Perspectives: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your compositions and perspectives. Experiment with different angles, vantage points, and framing techniques to add visual interest and depth to your photos. Whether you’re shooting from ground level, aerial drones, or even underwater, the possibilities are endless.
5. Tell a Story: Finally, use your golf course photos to tell a story – not just of the game, but of the experience and emotions it evokes. Whether it’s the joy of sinking a putt, the frustration of hitting into a hazard, or the camaraderie of playing with friends, let your photos capture the essence of the golfing experience in all its glory.
So there you have it, fellow photographers – the art of golf course photography in all its majestic splendor. Whether you’re seeking out stunning vistas, embracing golden hour light, focusing on details, experimenting with perspectives, or telling a captivating story, let your camera be your guide as you capture the beauty of the game for all to see. And if you are just interested in a wonderful piece of art reach out to Peter Gibb.
Until next time, may your shots be as sharp as your focus, your compositions be as flawless as your swings, and your photos be a window into the soul of golf. Snap on, my fellow shutterbugs!
Majestic events for some of golf’s elite
Hello, golf enthusiasts,
As we extend our series “Tales from the Greens: Chronicles of Golf Through the Ages,” today we shift our focus from players and equipment to the grand stages themselves—the tournaments that have defined competitive golf. These events are not just competitions; they are cultural phenomena that have shaped the sport and its global following. Let’s explore some of the most iconic golf tournaments and their profound impact on the sport.
The Masters: A Tradition Unlike Any Other
Held annually at Augusta National Golf Club, The Masters is synonymous with tradition and prestige. Founded by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts in 1934, this tournament is known for its green jacket, a coveted prize that symbolizes excellence and membership in golf’s most exclusive club. The Masters has been a stage for some of golf’s greatest moments, from Jack Nicklaus’ historic win in 1986 at the age of 46 to Tiger Woods’ dramatic comeback in 2019.
The Open Championship: Golf’s Oldest Major
Commonly referred to as The British Open, The Open Championship is the oldest of golf’s four major tournaments, first played in 1860. It is conducted annually on the links courses around Scotland and England, presenting a unique challenge with its unpredictable weather and rugged landscapes. The Claret Jug, awarded to the champion, is one of the most recognized trophies in all of sports.
The U.S. Open: Ultimate Test of Golf
The U.S. Open is renowned for its rigorous setup, which aims to test the limits of players’ skills and mental toughness. Conducted by the United States Golf Association (USGA), this tournament is played at various locations across the United States and is known for its narrow fairways, thick rough, and fast greens. Winning the U.S. Open is a testament to a golfer’s precision and perseverance.
The PGA Championship: A Showcase of Talent
The PGA Championship, conducted by the Professional Golfers’ Association of America, is where golf’s best professionals vie for the Wanamaker Trophy. This tournament is distinct for often being held at parkland courses across the U.S., featuring lush fairways and challenging greens. It’s a test of both skill and strategic play, often bringing out the best performances from the world’s top golfers.
These tournaments are more than just annual sporting events; they are a celebration of golf’s rich history and a showcase of its evolving future. Each tournament brings its unique flavor and set of challenges, contributing significantly to the legacy and popularity of the sport worldwide.
Join me next time as we explore golf’s role in fostering international camaraderie and sportsmanship.
Thank you for following along.
Warm regards,
Robert Greenfield
Building Bonds on the Fairway
Ahoy, golfing companions! This week, we’re celebrating the unparalleled joy of teeing off with friends – because as any golfer knows, there’s nothing quite like sharing the fairway with your favorite playing partners. So gather your crew, dust off your clubs, and let’s explore the magic of golfing with friends:
1. Shared Laughter, Shared Memories: Golfing with friends isn’t just about hitting the ball – it’s about sharing laughs, swapping stories, and creating memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re reminiscing about past rounds, joking about missed putts, or simply enjoying each other’s company, the camaraderie of the game is what makes it truly special.
2. Support and Encouragement: One of the greatest benefits of golfing with friends is the support and encouragement they provide. From cheering you on after a great shot to offering words of wisdom when you’re struggling, your playing partners are there to lift you up and help you stay positive, no matter what challenges the course throws your way.
3. Friendly Competition: While golf is ultimately a game against the course, there’s no denying the thrill of a little friendly competition among friends. Whether you’re competing for bragging rights, playing for a friendly wager, or simply trying to outdo each other on the scorecard, the spirit of competition adds an extra layer of excitement to every round.
4. Strengthening Bonds: Golfing with friends isn’t just about the game – it’s about strengthening bonds and deepening friendships. The shared experiences, inside jokes, and moments of triumph and defeat on the course all serve to bring you closer together, forging bonds that are as strong as steel.
5. Lifelong Companionship: Finally, golfing with friends is about more than just the present moment – it’s about building lifelong companionship that extends far beyond the fairway. Whether you’re celebrating victories, commiserating over defeats, or simply enjoying each other’s company, the friendships forged on the golf course are ones that will endure for years to come.
So there you have it, fellow golfing comrades – the joy of golfing with friends in all its glorious splendor. Whether you’re sharing laughs, supporting each other through the ups and downs, or strengthening bonds that last a lifetime, there’s nothing quite like hitting the links with your favorite playing partners by your side. Until next time, may your rounds be filled with friendship, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Friends on, my fellow golfers!
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The Art of Golf Course Photography
Golf’s Grand Stages: Iconic Tournaments and Their Impact
The Joy of Golfing with Friends
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