A couple of hours earlier on Friday, he’d been booted from the Genesis Invitational after signing an incorrect scorecard following his second round. On Riviera’s 4th hole, he had made a four, but he signed for a three. For Spieth, it was unfortunate. But he took the blame via his X and Instagram accounts.
“Today, I signed for an incorrect scorecard and stepped out of the scoring area, after thinking I went through all procedures to make sure it was correct. Rules are rules, and I take full responsibility. I love this tournament and golf course as much as any on @PGATOUR so it hurts to not have a run at the weekend. Really appreciated the support in LA @thegenesisinv @thegenesisinv.”
But that was but one opinion.
As the news arrived, the takes followed, and we collected a few. As a service. You probably have your own thoughts, but it doesn’t hurt to keep an open mind to things. At the least, it could help your argument. (For what it’s worth, the author will opine at the end of this piece.)
To begin, though, here’s how the rule partially reads:
“If the player returns a scorecard with a wrong score for any hole: Returned Score Higher Than Actual Score. The higher returned score for the hole stands. Returned Score Lower Than Actual Score or No Score Returned. The player is disqualified.”
On to the thoughts.
What actually happens in the scoring tent:
What happens inside the scoring trailer (most of the time)
You walk in, the player that took ur score signs it and hands it to you. You sign it, check it with ur own score (some caddies look at it as well, some don’t). Most ask the scoring official what they have in their system…
— Michael S. Kim (@Mike_kim714) February 17, 2024
There are many safeguards to this but this is a stupid rule https://t.co/wI7m7fcCrS
— Michael S. Kim (@Mike_kim714) February 17, 2024
From other pros:
Amazes me how often this happens in pro golf. Math is hard….I guess 🤷♂️💀. Takes 5 seconds for the Tour officials to read your scores back and for you to check them. Hot take but this is equivalent to forgetting to write your name down on a test lol. https://t.co/nIxTn97sJn
— Dylan Wu (@dylan_wu59) February 17, 2024
From a caddie:
From Mike McGee, Annika Sorenstam’s husband:
