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Sony OPen Could Have Ended Differently With Rare Rule

Published

3 years ago

January 20, 2022

There didn’t need to be a playoff.

Of course, there was — that’s why they’re out there, right? — but as Hideki Matsuyama and Russell Henley played their playoff on Sunday after finishing four rounds at the Sony Open tied, and Matsuyama pulled away, and Henley sunk, a rarely used rule that could have ended things at any point could have become more and more a consideration.

Here’s how. The playoff began with Henley hitting a tee shot into a fairway bunker on the par-5 18th at Waialae Country Club, and Matsuyama finding the fairway. From there, Henley laid up short of the green, and Matsuyama hit the shot of the tournament, a 270-yard 3-wood that dropped within 2 feet of the hole. Henley would now have to hole out, from 84 yards away, in order to force Matsuyama to make his putt and continue the playoff. It wasn’t over, but it was close.

And then closer still. Henley airmailed his wedge over the green, and he would now have to hole that, and have Matsuyama two-putt from 2 feet, to keep things going. At that point, on the Golf Channel broadcast, analyst and longtime caddie John Wood said he asked PGA Tour rules official Gary Young whether Matsuyama and Henley could play out of turn — essentially, could Matsuyama just hit his 2-footer and claim his prize.

No, but …

“Guys, I was just talking with Gary Young and asked him if they could play out of turn in a playoff if they both agreed to it,” Wood said on the broadcast. “He said they couldn’t play out of turn, but Russell could actually concede in a playoff so — we’ll finish things out here.”

And they did. Henley chipped on and two-putted for a bogey six, and Matsuyama rolled in the near-tap-in for an eagle three. But, according to Rule 7A (1), under the Committee Procedures section, Henley, or Matsuyama for that matter, could have tapped out at any point. The rule states: “In a stroke-play play-off between two players, if one of them is disqualified or concedes defeat, it is not necessary for the other player to complete the play-off hole or holes to be declared the winner.”

As for the order of play that Wood asked about, the Rules of Golf also cover that. Rule 6.4b states: “The ball that is farthest from the hole should be played first. If two or more balls are the same distance from the hole or their relative distances are not known, the ball to be played first should be decided by agreement or by using a random method. There is no penalty if a player plays out of turn, except that if two or more players agree to play out of turn to give one of them an advantage, each of them gets the general penalty (two penalty strokes).”

Afterward, Henley was asked how he would “process just falling short.” He had entered Sunday’s final round with the sixth 54-hole lead in his career, and left sitting at converting just one of those into a victory. (Notably, it was in his first-ever Tour start, at the 2013 Sony.)

“It stings,” said Henley, who’s won three times on Tour. “I played some great golf. I feel like I was in it the entire time mentally this time. I didn’t have too many mental lapses like I have other tournaments where I’ve been close to the lead in the last couple years.

“So feel like I was there. You know, just got to keep chugging.”

This article originally appeared on Golf.com.

Blog

How Weather Shapes the Game of Golf

The wind roared across Royal Troon, but the spirit of one determined golfer proved unshakable, a testament to the resilience that defines the game.

Published

5 hours ago

December 22, 2024

Robert Greenfield

It was a day that began like any other at Royal Troon, the sea breeze whispering across the links as early morning dew sparkled under the Scottish sun. But as the players teed off, the skies turned darker, and the wind began to roar—a ferocious, unrelenting force that turned the course into a battlefield.

A Test of Skill and Resilience

In the world of golf, weather is the great equalizer. It can humble the strongest players, turning even a simple par-four into an epic struggle. That day at Royal Troon was no exception. As the wind howled, the carefully groomed fairways became a treacherous maze. Players who had practiced their swings tirelessly found themselves grappling with gusts that sent their drives veering unpredictably.

Among them was a young competitor named Callum, playing his first Open Championship. Watching from the stands, I marveled at how this newcomer faced the elements with unyielding determination. His drives sliced through the gale with a low trajectory, and his putts danced on the greens, refusing to be dictated by the storm. Callum wasn’t just playing golf; he was wrestling with the very soul of the course.

A Battle of Wits and Nature

Weather has always been an integral part of the game. At St. Andrews, golfers often contend with rain showers that come as suddenly as a whispered secret. At Augusta, the swirling winds around Amen Corner have broken many a championship dream. But it is on the windswept links of the British Isles where weather becomes a character in the story, its presence felt in every decision, every shot.

That day, Callum made his stand. On the infamous 8th hole—The Postage Stamp—where the green is small and the stakes high, his precision was a sight to behold. The crowd held its breath as he selected his wedge, adjusted for the gale, and executed a shot that landed softly, mere feet from the pin. It was a masterstroke, the kind that resonates long after the final score is recorded.

A Lasting Memory

Callum didn’t win that day. But as the storm cleared and the sun broke through, his courage and adaptability left an indelible mark on all who watched. Weather had tested him, and though the elements won the round, they couldn’t extinguish the fire of a player determined to rise.

Golf isn’t just about clubs and courses. It’s about moments like these—when players confront nature’s raw power and find within themselves the skill, resilience, and courage to keep going. The wind roared that day, but so did Callum’s spirit, echoing across the links and into the hearts of everyone present.

Blog

Maintenance during the off season

Published

5 days ago

December 17, 2024

Resident PGA Pro

Ever wonder what kind of repairs you can do to keep your clubs in shape during the off season?

Many of us find the grips on our clubs starting to wear down and nothing brings new life into your older clubs like a new set of grips.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to spend a small fortune having someone else do this for you, this handy DIY video by Coach Lockey will show you how to replace your grips at home. Click below and have a watch. Then see some of our suggestions for new grips you can buy today.

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Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Golfers

Published

6 days ago

December 16, 2024

The BLOG MAN

Hey there, golf fans and last-minute shoppers! Can you believe it? We’re down to just 9 days until Christmas, and this year, Hanukkah also starts on the 25th, too! If you’ve got a golfer in your life, the clock is ticking to grab that perfect gift. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with some amazing last-minute ideas that will arrive in time, thanks to Amazon’s super-fast shipping.

So, skip the stress and check out these top picks that will make any golfer light up like the holiday tree or menorah this year. Let’s dive in!

1. Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls

Golfers can never have too many golf balls, and Callaway’s Supersoft is one of the best around. Known for its soft feel and incredible distance, it’s perfect for players of all skill levels. Plus, it’s an easy, no-brainer gift that any golfer will appreciate.

Why it’s great:

Affordable and high-quality
Available in fun colors like yellow and matte pink
Ready to ship and arrive before the holidays

👉 Buy Callaway Supersoft Golf Balls on Amazon

2. PuttOut Pressure Putt Trainer

Help the golfer in your life sharpen their short game with this ingenious training tool. The PuttOut Pressure Putt Trainer is compact, effective, and ideal for indoor practice—perfect for winter days away from the course.

Why it’s great:

Builds confidence in putting
Lightweight and portable
A hit among golfers of all levels

👉 Buy PuttOut Pressure Putt Trainer on Amazon

3. Golf Trunk Organizer

This gift is a game-changer for staying organized. The Samsonite Golf Trunk Organizer is perfect for stashing shoes, gloves, tees, and other golf gear in one tidy place. It’s functional, practical, and will earn you big points for thoughtfulness.

Why it’s great:

Keeps gear neat and ready for action
Fits easily in any car trunk
Arrives quickly with Prime shipping

👉 Buy Samsonite Golf Trunk Organizer on Amazon

4. Titleist Players Golf Glove

A good golf glove can make all the difference in grip and comfort, and Titleist is a trusted brand. This premium glove is a simple yet thoughtful gift that will see plenty of use on the course.

Why it’s great:

High-quality construction
Comfortable fit and feel
Available for fast shipping

👉 Buy Titleist Players Golf Glove on Amazon

5. Garmin Approach G12 GPS Rangefinder

For the tech-savvy golfer, the Garmin Approach G12 is a small but mighty gadget that provides distances to the green, hazards, and more. It clips onto a bag or belt, making it easy to use during a round.

Why it’s great:

Compact and accurate
Preloaded with 42,000 courses
Ships in time for the holidays

👉 Buy Garmin Approach G12 on Amazon

6. Funny Golf T-Shirts

Every golfer loves a little humor on the course. A witty golf-themed T-shirt is a fun, budget-friendly option that’s sure to get laughs and compliments.

Why it’s great:

Tons of designs to choose from
Budget-friendly and personal
Many options with next-day delivery

👉 Browse Funny Golf T-Shirts on Amazon

7. Practice Golf Net

A home practice net is a dream for golfers who want to perfect their swing without leaving the house. It’s the gift of endless practice, even in the off-season.

Why it’s great:

Easy to set up in a backyard or garage
Perfect for winter training
Many available for fast delivery

👉 Buy Practice Golf Net on Amazon

Don’t Wait—Act Now!

Time is running out, and the holidays are almost here! These gifts are perfect for golfers and will make it to your doorstep in time, but only if you act fast. Stock is limited, and the closer we get to the big day, the tighter the shipping windows get. Click those links, fill your cart, and cross those gifts off your list today.