Collin Morikawa Penalized for Violating Model Local Rule at 2023 Hero World Challenge
In an unforeseen turn of events, Collin Morikawa, the renowned PGA Tour professional, was given a two-shot penalty for unwittingly violating the local model rule G-11. This happened on the fourth hole of the third round at the 2023 Hero World Challenge held in the tropical paradise of Nassau, Bahamas. The penalty resulted in Morikawa’s third-round score being adjusted to a triple-bogey 7, leaving him with an even-par 72 for the round.
This unexpected penalty came to light after a question was raised by one of the participants during the tournament. Matt Fitzpatrick, Morikawa’s playing partner at the time, brought attention to a potential rule violation that led to the involvement of the rules committee. Stephen Cox, the chief referee of the PGA Tour, confirmed the validity of Fitzpatrick’s concern.
The local model rule G-11, which restricts the use of green-reading material, was implemented in 2022 to safeguard the integrity of the fundamental skill of reading greens. This violation by Morikawa highlights an unfortunate recurrence of past infractions committed by professional golfers.
Investigating the Violation
Following the rule violation, Cox convened with JJ Jakovac, the caddie for Collin Morikawa, a mere two hours before their final-round tee time at 12:03 p.m. A meticulous examination of Jakovac’s yardage book unveiled a crucial detail – the existence of a putting chart.
It is important to note that creating a putting chart itself does not contravene any established rules. However, the approach taken to acquire the necessary information was pivotal in determining the ruling. Jakovac had used a level on the practice putting green. He carefully notated the findings directly in the yardage book he subsequently employed to assess the green’s reading on the fourth hole during the third round on Saturday.
Cox explained, “Fortunately, that was the only time that a player or caddie used that chart or formula, and on that basis, the breach remained two strokes. This is a very complicated issue. We were very specific in the fact that these handwritten notes needed to be obtained through traditional methods to protect the fundamental skill of reading greens through our sport, and that’s the foundation of why we put the model local rule in place. In this situation, again, unwittingly, the player used a level to determine degrees of slope on the practice putting green, which in itself, isolated, is not a breach, but what that player did was formulate a chart and transferred that into his book.”
It is worth noting that if Jakovac had devised a chart based on estimations acquired through personal observation or had retained the information gathered through the measuring device in his memory, he would not have received the penalty.
Communicating the Penalty
The penalty’s disclosure to Morikawa transpired on the practice range approximately 10-15 minutes before his scheduled tee time. Stephen Cox personally informed him of the decision. When asked about Morikawa’s reaction, Cox shared, “It went very similar to any other conversation that results in a penalty. He was very frustrated. It’s a very complicated rule.”
The repercussions of the penalty led to Morikawa’s third-round score on the fourth hole being altered to a triple-bogey 7, leaving him with a final score of even-par 72 for the round. Cox recognized Morikawa and his caddie’s natural response of pushback and frustration. This is expected when a player faces the consequences of a rule violation. He iterated, “At the end of the day, we made the mistake, and it’s on us.
Thankfully, it only happened that one time.”Morikawa, in reflecting on the incident, expressed his understanding, stating, “They understood the rule was broken, but anytime the rules penalize a player, there is inevitable pushback and frustration, and that was shared by both player and caddie, which is human nature.”
An incident like this is a reminder that strict adherence to the rules is crucial in maintaining the integrity and fairness of golf. Upholding the fundamental skill of reading greens through traditional methods ensures a level playing field for all participants, promoting the sport’s core principles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Was Collin Morikawa Penalized for at the 2023 Hero World Challenge?
Collin Morikawa received a two-shot penalty for violating the local model rule G-11, which restricts the use of green-reading material.
How Did Matt Fitzpatrick Bring the Potential Rule Violation to Light?
Matt Fitzpatrick, Morikawa’s playing partner during the third round, raised a question that led to the rules committee’s involvement and subsequent penalty assessment.
What Is the Purpose of the Model Local Rule G-11?
The model local rule G-11 aims to protect the fundamental skill of reading greens. It was implemented in 2022 to maintain the integrity of the game.
How did the violation occur?
Collin Morikawa’s caddie, JJ Jakovac, used a level on the practice putting green, creating a putting chart by annotating the results directly into the yardage book. While using a level itself is not a violation, formulating a chart and transferring it to the book breached the local model rule G-11.
What Would Have Been the Appropriate Approach to Avoid the Penalty?
The penalty would not have been applicable if Jakovac had devised a chart based on estimations or memorized the information acquired through the measuring device rather than recording it as a handwritten note.
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