Gary Player writes:
I’ve seen a lot of great shots and great rounds at Augusta. In 1978, I closed in 30 and shot 64 to win the Masters by one. But that doesn’t compare to what Tianlang Guan is doing at the age of 14. Mark my words: We are witnessing the most historic moment golf has experienced in my lifetime. And giving him the slow-play penalty on Friday is one of the saddest things I’ve seen in golf. When I heard, I prayed that he would make the cut. I am thrilled he did, because having him play the weekend will do miracles for the game. Golf’s popularity is as low as it’s ever been. Fewer and fewer people are playing the game. This will encourage young boys and girls around the world to play the game. Imagine it! Everyone will benefit — courses, manufacturers, some day even fans.
Now, you cannot criticize the rule. It’s in the book for a reason. I believe the officials when they say Guan broke it. But you’ve got to be consistent. If you had a stopwatch, you could time many players in the last 20 years who have been well over their time but have not been penalized. Slow-playing tournament leaders have not been penalized. If the rule is applied arbitrarily, it is meaningless. The tragedy is that this could cause a stir. Imagine what the Chinese are going to think?
I agree. Say it again with me, the rules were made for Golf, not Golf for the rules–KSH. Read it all.
For Pete’s sake, the kid is only 14! The official in question should have taken the young man aside and gently warned him. Then there should have been an announcement to all players that they could be timed and that slow play would be penalized.
And then they turn around and let a man occasionally described as the world’s greatest professional golfer off with a slap on the wrist for much more serious and difficult to defend offense.