I have been asked for my personal comment on the Lexi Thompson penalty, and in this instance, feel obliged to do so for two reasons, first because it was, in many respects very debatable, and second because I feel strongly about the issue of armchair referees.
For reference the Rules of Golf define, in part ; “Referee A “referee” is one who is appointed by the Committee to decide questions of fact and apply the Rules. He must act on any breach of a Rule that he observes or is reported to him.” There are slightly different duties for Match Play.
An “armchair referee” is not a person appointed by the Committee and in my opinion, the Rules of Golf do not contemplate that the “reporting” of a breach would emanate from outside the venue of the competition.
Using a technology — designed to provide enhanced entertainment with fantastic slow-motion HD visuals of ball compression at impact, facial expressions of both the thrill of conquest, the heartbreak of misfortune, or the grains of sand as the ball explodes from a bunker — to override that which we consider sacrosanct i.e. the integrity of the golfer, is inappropriate and violates the very fundamental essence of the game.
Let’s try to protect the Spirit of the Game which relies on integrity of the golfer, to not only show consideration for others but to abide by the Rules. Hence, we have no need for referees or umpires – except in major events to help the competitor interpret the rules — we are those people.
We play golf to satisfy a subconscious urge to evaluate ourselves while in the pleasant company of other likeminded people, in an attractive environment. The rules lend order to this wonderful activity but let’s make sure we apply them appropriately knowing what it is that we are trying to protect.
I encourage you to leave your comments below.
Frank
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3rd April 2017 Post: Lexi Thompson Penalty
Dear Frankly Friends,
Yesterday we witnessed yet another rules drama at a major championship.
We would like to hear what you think about the four-stroke penalty that Lexi Thompson was assessed on the 13th tee of the final round, after a TV viewer emailed the LPGA to alert them to a rules infraction they had seen on TV the previous day.
We are very interested in hearing what you have to say about this issue. Please share your thoughts by replying below.
I had commented earlier, and have read many of the reply’s, most very insightful.
What I have not seen is the responsibility of her playing competitor, who should be looking out for the interest of the field. And that person should have called her on it, on the spot.
Since this wasn’t done, the arm chair ref is invalid, particularly after the fact.
Also as others have mentioned 80 some percent of the field is not scrutinized by the tv refs.
Debatable? I’m not sure what you were watching, but debatable it was not. As for arm chair referees, again, you are grossly mistaken. The truth is, no matter how you sugar coat it, she clearly broke the rule. With your analogy, someone sees a murder, they should do nothing. The rules don’t say “except for Lexi.” Did she gain an advantage, probably not…. but in some cases she might have. In officiating, I have caught people marking a ball and then not replacing it properly…. intentionally.
The USGA just set grow the game back 50 plus years. In what other sport can you call a penalty from the bench? What the F*** did they do before tv? this is all BS and it is why I stopped paying dues to the USGA 5 years ago.
It’s absurd for a viewer to have any standing. Especially when the unintentional infraction had no bearing on the outcome of the tournament. And to assess a two stroke penalty after the fact is even more ridiculous. Can you imagine a football game with fans calling in to debate the referee’s calls?
I have spoken with a number of people both in the golf business and those who don’t even play. Their opinions and thoughts are very wide in scope. The consensus seems to be that the ruling is correct as per the rules of golf. The common sense application of the rule is what comes into play. Lexi made an error that was witnessed and reported to the LPGA. The penalty for signing an incorrect scorecard seems like double jeopardy for something she was not aware of at that time. Pretty soon we might have players not sign their scorecards until they or people from their camp have reviewed all footage of their round. I think all tours should set some rules and guidelines for outside influences like this. Create a time limit, a set of rules that apply to all and are known by all.
Actually there is a time limit of sorts. This situation is not common, but it does happen. Michelle Wie’s first professional tourney is a classic example. Most people don’t have a clue. A writer for SI, who had been a caddie, reported that Wie the day before took a bad drop. He claimed he agonized over it all night. Had he told an official that day (I believe it happened on like the 11 or 13th hole), she too would have received a 2 stroke penalty. The worst part about it was her fellow competitors thought it was s good drop. I think it cost Wie $37,000!
I saw the “infraction ” on Sunday’s telecast. The camera angle wasn’t perfect. I assume the official making the call, got a better look at the “infraction”. I can see where the offence could be as described factually. The first penalty was for hitting a ball from a wrong place. Normally must be rectified before play continues. However, Lexi was not aware that she had committed a penalty. Nor was her fellow competitor.
If lexi had mis-marked her ball one inch ,as reported, it should/could have been notice. The two stroke penalty was warranted. Once the first penalty was accepted as fact, and an unnoticed oversight, the second two stroke penalty was automatic and intended to keep Lexi in the tournament rather than disqualify her.
As long as the golf associations are going to accept reports of rules infractions from unknown off course observers this sort of situation will continue to occur. I feel part of the problem is that the players have a poor knowledge of the rules and would be reluctant to call a fellow competitor on a violation, even though it is every competitor’s responsibility to monitor rules violations to “protect the field”.
The USGA and R and A better take a close look at this before 2019.
Dear Frank and Friends:
I already posted a comment on the Lexi ruling by the LPGA Rules officials and I agree with what you have expressed on the matter, Frank, especially as to the essence of this marvelous sport and distraction.
However, even though the Rules do not contemplate that a breach of the rules during play can come from an outside source, the Rules do not explicitly exclude such an minformation source.
Thus, the Rules official just could NOT ignore such information, especially since the information received was corroborated by the tape, which I am sure they viewed many times. The “evidence”, sorry to say, was irrefutable. Intentionality is irrelevant in this case and should not enter the discussion, in my opinion. Lexi is a great golfer and a greater person. She is young and she has learned a lot by this unfortunate incident, especially about herself. I am sure she will win many Majors. She is a great credit to the game and to the LPGA.
The penalty was appropriate if assessed before or at the card signing. Once submitted and accepted, the card should be as stands, unless the player realizes late and disqualifies him/her self.
First, you are 100% correct in your assessment. She did break the tule. It was s bad mark. As for the latter 2 stroke penalty for signing a wrong scorecard, that’s automatic. I did read that under the revised rules, thus MIGHT not be a penalty.
In this situation an “armchair referee” has way too much power. They can:
1 – Wait until the tournament over to notify authorities, in which case there is no penalty.
2 – Notify authorities immediately and if the player is notified before they sign their scorecard, a two stroke penalty.
3 – Wait a day and the player gets a four stroke penalty.
Do we really want golf refereed that way?
If this type of reporting continues to be allowed, I can foresee the time when the entourage of another pro pouring over video to “catch” a misstep and causes the penalty shot/shots to be assessed.
I fully agree with your comments. It seems obvious that the LPGA lacks management backbone and common sense — allowing itself to be manipulated by a random TV viewer to the extent that they take inappropriate and catastrophic formal action against the tournament leader during the following final day of competition. Not only does this disrespect the player it tells the watching public that LGPA decision-makers on the scene are so insecure that there is an appropriate role in the TV viewing public calling in rulings during the course of play. Shame on those who both perpetrated and allowed this to happen. A disservice to the integrity of the game. Apologies are in order!
I feel VERY strongly that the LPGA and the PGA Tour AND the USGA need to ignore ALL forms of amrchair officiating and tell those people to get a life. They caused Michelle Wie to be disqualified from her 1st pro tournament and now have cost Lexi another major. And to what purpose? To prove how big a jerk they can be? It’s not their job to “protect the field”. They’re not included in the competition. They aren’t good enough. They certainly have no business ruining someone else’s day or possibly their life.
Frank,
Best explanation I’ve read or listened to since her unfortunate situation. I do agree in your assessment, however, let’s apply your commentary to her actions on Saturday.
The “viewer” emails the tour about said infraction and nothing is done…therefore the “viewer” now employs social media to let the world know that what Lexi did was an infraction, but since the “viewer” isn’t recognized by the committee and the committee can’t use that information, you have quite the snake pit.
Unless Lexi does the right thing and DQ’s her self after hearing/reviewing said infraction…that’s the essence of golf!
so the “viewer” employs social media.
just shows what a jerk the “viewer” is.
and Lexi doing the “right thing”
and DQing?
when would that be? how long after the
social media campaign starts?
if it starts after the tournament?
suppose the error is in the last round, at the 16th hole?
the social media campaign happens
after the tournament books are closed?
return the trophy and cash?
social media might be OK to police those
who skirt the rules too often:
officials (and players) can use to
alert to possible future infractions
(what should we watch for?)
I am of mixed feelings about this situation. I saw the video where she was informed of the penalty, but had not seen the actual ball marking until today. When I heard the comments yesterday on the Golf Channel, I tended to agree with most of the pros and commentators that the ball placement penalty was probably appropriate, but the incorrect scorecard penalty might be excessive.
After seeing the video, I tend to agree with the penalty as applied. Typically, when a player marks a putt, they intend to clean the ball or adjust it so the alignment line on the ball matches their intended path. In this case she didn’t clean the ball, nor appear to adjust the alignment line. It is obvious the coin was placed a noticeable distance to the side of the ball. Careless or intentional, it was a very bad marking process and brings into question the intent of the player.
The USGA has not commented on the penalty other than explaining the rules, but it makes sense they reviewed the video and made an assessment Lexi marked the ball in such a way as to gain an advantage. Maybe the ball was in a slight depression. I can’t see it on the tape, but Lexi had a much better view of the ball on the green.
But I also think anytime the USGA is going to assess a post round penalty, the player should have the courtesy of being shown the infraction and commenting on it. I have seen this done in other circumstances.
The USGA needs to develop, publish and follow a procedure on post round call ins.
I agree with most of the above comments. There is no way that a ‘TV referee’ should have any standing. Four strokes penalty is a total joke, and the LPGA made a STUPID decision. Unfortunately there are far too many cases of stupid decisions by tournament committees. The max should have been 2 shots
If there is no penalty for signing a bad scorecard, there then becomes NO incentive to learn the rules. Guys/gals will be cheating all day long then feign ignorance after the round when all their indiscretions are pointed out. Part of the game is knowing the rules and Protecting The Field.
If you can’t mark and replace a ball correctly, you don’t deserve a tour card.
franklygolf 
I had commented earlier, and have read many of the reply’s, most very insightful.
What I have not seen is the responsibility of her playing competitor, who should be looking out for the interest of the field. And that person should have called her on it, on the spot.
Since this wasn’t done, the arm chair ref is invalid, particularly after the fact.
Also as others have mentioned 80 some percent of the field is not scrutinized by the tv refs.
Debatable? I’m not sure what you were watching, but debatable it was not. As for arm chair referees, again, you are grossly mistaken. The truth is, no matter how you sugar coat it, she clearly broke the rule. With your analogy, someone sees a murder, they should do nothing. The rules don’t say “except for Lexi.” Did she gain an advantage, probably not…. but in some cases she might have. In officiating, I have caught people marking a ball and then not replacing it properly…. intentionally.
The USGA just set grow the game back 50 plus years. In what other sport can you call a penalty from the bench? What the F*** did they do before tv? this is all BS and it is why I stopped paying dues to the USGA 5 years ago.
It’s absurd for a viewer to have any standing. Especially when the unintentional infraction had no bearing on the outcome of the tournament. And to assess a two stroke penalty after the fact is even more ridiculous. Can you imagine a football game with fans calling in to debate the referee’s calls?
I have spoken with a number of people both in the golf business and those who don’t even play. Their opinions and thoughts are very wide in scope. The consensus seems to be that the ruling is correct as per the rules of golf. The common sense application of the rule is what comes into play. Lexi made an error that was witnessed and reported to the LPGA. The penalty for signing an incorrect scorecard seems like double jeopardy for something she was not aware of at that time. Pretty soon we might have players not sign their scorecards until they or people from their camp have reviewed all footage of their round. I think all tours should set some rules and guidelines for outside influences like this. Create a time limit, a set of rules that apply to all and are known by all.
“something she was not aware of at that time”
YOU have assumed that she was not aware, can you really know what she is thinking?
Actually there is a time limit of sorts. This situation is not common, but it does happen. Michelle Wie’s first professional tourney is a classic example. Most people don’t have a clue. A writer for SI, who had been a caddie, reported that Wie the day before took a bad drop. He claimed he agonized over it all night. Had he told an official that day (I believe it happened on like the 11 or 13th hole), she too would have received a 2 stroke penalty. The worst part about it was her fellow competitors thought it was s good drop. I think it cost Wie $37,000!
I saw the “infraction ” on Sunday’s telecast. The camera angle wasn’t perfect. I assume the official making the call, got a better look at the “infraction”. I can see where the offence could be as described factually. The first penalty was for hitting a ball from a wrong place. Normally must be rectified before play continues. However, Lexi was not aware that she had committed a penalty. Nor was her fellow competitor.
If lexi had mis-marked her ball one inch ,as reported, it should/could have been notice. The two stroke penalty was warranted. Once the first penalty was accepted as fact, and an unnoticed oversight, the second two stroke penalty was automatic and intended to keep Lexi in the tournament rather than disqualify her.
As long as the golf associations are going to accept reports of rules infractions from unknown off course observers this sort of situation will continue to occur. I feel part of the problem is that the players have a poor knowledge of the rules and would be reluctant to call a fellow competitor on a violation, even though it is every competitor’s responsibility to monitor rules violations to “protect the field”.
The USGA and R and A better take a close look at this before 2019.
Dear Frank and Friends:
I already posted a comment on the Lexi ruling by the LPGA Rules officials and I agree with what you have expressed on the matter, Frank, especially as to the essence of this marvelous sport and distraction.
However, even though the Rules do not contemplate that a breach of the rules during play can come from an outside source, the Rules do not explicitly exclude such an minformation source.
Thus, the Rules official just could NOT ignore such information, especially since the information received was corroborated by the tape, which I am sure they viewed many times. The “evidence”, sorry to say, was irrefutable. Intentionality is irrelevant in this case and should not enter the discussion, in my opinion. Lexi is a great golfer and a greater person. She is young and she has learned a lot by this unfortunate incident, especially about herself. I am sure she will win many Majors. She is a great credit to the game and to the LPGA.
The penalty was appropriate if assessed before or at the card signing. Once submitted and accepted, the card should be as stands, unless the player realizes late and disqualifies him/her self.
First, you are 100% correct in your assessment. She did break the tule. It was s bad mark. As for the latter 2 stroke penalty for signing a wrong scorecard, that’s automatic. I did read that under the revised rules, thus MIGHT not be a penalty.
In this situation an “armchair referee” has way too much power. They can:
1 – Wait until the tournament over to notify authorities, in which case there is no penalty.
2 – Notify authorities immediately and if the player is notified before they sign their scorecard, a two stroke penalty.
3 – Wait a day and the player gets a four stroke penalty.
Do we really want golf refereed that way?
If this type of reporting continues to be allowed, I can foresee the time when the entourage of another pro pouring over video to “catch” a misstep and causes the penalty shot/shots to be assessed.
I fully agree with your comments. It seems obvious that the LPGA lacks management backbone and common sense — allowing itself to be manipulated by a random TV viewer to the extent that they take inappropriate and catastrophic formal action against the tournament leader during the following final day of competition. Not only does this disrespect the player it tells the watching public that LGPA decision-makers on the scene are so insecure that there is an appropriate role in the TV viewing public calling in rulings during the course of play. Shame on those who both perpetrated and allowed this to happen. A disservice to the integrity of the game. Apologies are in order!
Perfect insight!
I feel VERY strongly that the LPGA and the PGA Tour AND the USGA need to ignore ALL forms of amrchair officiating and tell those people to get a life. They caused Michelle Wie to be disqualified from her 1st pro tournament and now have cost Lexi another major. And to what purpose? To prove how big a jerk they can be? It’s not their job to “protect the field”. They’re not included in the competition. They aren’t good enough. They certainly have no business ruining someone else’s day or possibly their life.
Frank,
Best explanation I’ve read or listened to since her unfortunate situation. I do agree in your assessment, however, let’s apply your commentary to her actions on Saturday.
The “viewer” emails the tour about said infraction and nothing is done…therefore the “viewer” now employs social media to let the world know that what Lexi did was an infraction, but since the “viewer” isn’t recognized by the committee and the committee can’t use that information, you have quite the snake pit.
Unless Lexi does the right thing and DQ’s her self after hearing/reviewing said infraction…that’s the essence of golf!
oh, c’mon!
so the “viewer” employs social media.
just shows what a jerk the “viewer” is.
and Lexi doing the “right thing”
and DQing?
when would that be? how long after the
social media campaign starts?
if it starts after the tournament?
suppose the error is in the last round, at the 16th hole?
the social media campaign happens
after the tournament books are closed?
return the trophy and cash?
social media might be OK to police those
who skirt the rules too often:
officials (and players) can use to
alert to possible future infractions
(what should we watch for?)
but, in the play,
no outside refs.
no changes due to external info.
I am of mixed feelings about this situation. I saw the video where she was informed of the penalty, but had not seen the actual ball marking until today. When I heard the comments yesterday on the Golf Channel, I tended to agree with most of the pros and commentators that the ball placement penalty was probably appropriate, but the incorrect scorecard penalty might be excessive.
After seeing the video, I tend to agree with the penalty as applied. Typically, when a player marks a putt, they intend to clean the ball or adjust it so the alignment line on the ball matches their intended path. In this case she didn’t clean the ball, nor appear to adjust the alignment line. It is obvious the coin was placed a noticeable distance to the side of the ball. Careless or intentional, it was a very bad marking process and brings into question the intent of the player.
The USGA has not commented on the penalty other than explaining the rules, but it makes sense they reviewed the video and made an assessment Lexi marked the ball in such a way as to gain an advantage. Maybe the ball was in a slight depression. I can’t see it on the tape, but Lexi had a much better view of the ball on the green.
But I also think anytime the USGA is going to assess a post round penalty, the player should have the courtesy of being shown the infraction and commenting on it. I have seen this done in other circumstances.
The USGA needs to develop, publish and follow a procedure on post round call ins.
I agree with most of the above comments. There is no way that a ‘TV referee’ should have any standing. Four strokes penalty is a total joke, and the LPGA made a STUPID decision. Unfortunately there are far too many cases of stupid decisions by tournament committees. The max should have been 2 shots
If there is no penalty for signing a bad scorecard, there then becomes NO incentive to learn the rules. Guys/gals will be cheating all day long then feign ignorance after the round when all their indiscretions are pointed out. Part of the game is knowing the rules and Protecting The Field.
If you can’t mark and replace a ball correctly, you don’t deserve a tour card.