Re: Camilo Villegas Disqualification

I agree, I don't like the idea of spectators and fans, and in this case I believe it was a member of the golf media, calling in to report rules violations. In this case I believe it was the next day which I really don't like.

On the other hand, players apparently don't always know the rules. I am a big Camilo Villegas fan but the rules violation occurred as soon as he moved the material that may have influenced the balls movement. The fact that his actions didn't impact the balls movement and did not give him any advantage is irrelevant. The violation occurred before that was even known.

I don't think it is practical or desirable to have golf "referees" observing every player's every action so players need to know the rules and police one another.

We have seen officials make mistakes in all sports but we don't get to phone in and have the results changed. Why does this happen in professional golf?

Re: Camilo Villegas Disqualification

The problem is that we've gone beyond these two rules:

1) Play the course as you find it.
2) Play your ball as it lies.

Hit it where you can't find it? Distance penalty. No need for an extra stroke - it already sucks you're hitting again.

As for 'the same course for all players' - too bad. It's already not the same course out early in the morning to noon to mid afternoon. Footprint in the bunker? Complain to someone's caddy.

Then there's no need for armchair rules officials.

It's either that, or lets remove the DQ portion. Perhaps a double penalty for signing an incorrect card called in by someone on the TV, but not DQ.

That, or you simply tape delay the coverage by 4 days so that the tournament is over and the armchair officials are no longer relevant.

Re: Camilo Villegas Disqualification

Yep. Punishment doesn't fit the crime. Funny how the voice of one can affect a tournament. Yet the voices of thousands on certain issues (ball length!) falls on deaf ears!