American golfer Charley Hoffman has launched a stunning attack on the PGA Tour after being on the wrong end of a penalty at the Phoenix Open that he called “a joke.”
Hoffman, a four-time winner on tour who has been ranked as high as No.20 in the world, hit his tee shot into the water at the 13th hole. After attempting to drop the ball twice, he was allowed to place the ball on a slope, from where it rolled into the water.
According to Rule 9.3, if the ball moves through natural causes (eg wind) there is no penalty, but the ball must be played from where it now lies. As it had rolled into the water, Hoffman had no choice but to declare the ball lost under Rule 18.2, incurring a one-shot penalty.
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Hoffman finished with a round of 72 to sit at three-under for the tournament and in a tie for 44th.
But after the round, the 45-year-old unleashed on social media at both the PGA Tour and the USGA, while referencing the Saudi-backed circuit which is trying to attract the world’s top players.
“I was under the impression that the USGA had changed that rule. I was wrong,” Hoffman wrote.
“Had to take another penalty for doing nothing wrong at all. Did everything by the book. It’s still mind blowing that a group of amateurs rule the professional game of golf.
“I also blame the PGA Tour rules officials for putting out a terrible penalty area line where this could even happen. No accountability at any level here. No protection for the players at all.
“You wonder why guys are wanting to jump ship and go play on another tour. Players need transparency, protection and consistency. We don’t have that under the current governing bodies.”
Hoffman’s post attracted sympathy from both Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau, who both replied.
“I feel ya,” Mickelson wrote.
DeChambeau added: “Agree wholeheartedly.”
American Sahith Theegala has a two shot lead after the second round at 12-under. Adam Scott (4-under) and Matt Jones (2-under) are the two Australians to make the cut.
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