After several weeks of flagstick “in” or “out” diagnosis, Foremost has been waiting for another “New Rules” shoe to drop. (He’s been warning that this new stuff can be tricky!)

Well, another shoe did drop this week at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. This mistake was costly! Wire services report that Haotong Li’s caddie cost him $98,000 by standing behind the extension of his putting line as the player “began” (emphasis added) to take his stance. A review by officials resulted in a two-stroke General Penalty which moved Mr. Li to 12th place after an apparent 3rd place finish. (The reports didn’t indicate whether the caddie stayed on the line, or whether he walked away from the line before the actual putt …the violation is for standing in the line not only during the stroke, but also, as the player “begins” to take his stance. (Yep, this is “new” stuff!).

F would like to argue here in defense of the caddie! Was Mr. Li oblivious to his caddie’s assistance?

Note the inter-relationships between the Rules (R10.3 “Caddies” and R10.2 “Advice and Other Help”) : although R10.3b(3) prohibits a caddie standing in the extension of the line of the shot as the player “begins” to take his stance, this Rule references R10.2b(4) which one must then turn to into order to find an Exception to the Rule — that a player can cure this violation, on the putting green only, by stepping away from the line and then retaking his stance.*

In short, the ability to cure the violation in this case rested entirely with the player, Mr. Li, and not his caddie, although neither had apparently familiarized themselves with this important change in the Rules. Ouch!

For the record, F likes to blame his caddie, too….or his partner… or chirping birds…or a passing car….or a train whistle….

As usual, all comments or corrections are welcome!

Respectfully submitted,
F

*0r, one might learn and recall the Rule from this exact scenario which was anticipated in “Don’t Be A Club Short!”, Hole 11, Scenario 4**

**Now available on Amazon.com