Interesting ruling. I know of the new rule from last year making allowances for armchair golfers that call in rules violations, but I don't think this falls under that. If Tiger's intent was to actually drop beyond his original ball, then he needs to take himself out for signing the card wrong, because it's his mis-understanding of the rule.

Sounds fair/Dustin Johnson

he is in. Yes he should know the rules, but the USGA accepted his one stroke and drop.

I not sure I know the exact procedure when putting the ball in play in that situation. On any ol day one of us would just walk back and drop a ball next to the divot we just made and play from there. In this situation the player doesn't have to mark where he hit from and put down a club to make sure the ball doesn't end up closer to the hole after it's dropped? What's the protocol?

The original divot was clear to see. He dropped behind that, but apparently not close enough to the original spot. He mentioned something about "line of flight" which is a different rule.

I think they cut him some slack because the intent of the rule is to avoid someone gaining an advantage by improving their lie or stance or both. That wasn't the case where he was hitting.

The rule is vague, too. It says "as near as possible to the original spot." What does that mean? One foot, one yard, in the original divot?

By his own admission he thought it was an advantage to be two yards back.

This is why golf is a ****ing joke. A rules official should have been with Tiger at the drop, ensuring that it was handled properly. 18 hours later, things shouldn't change.

"Honor." OK.

From what I've read about it (I didn't see it), it sounds like he wouldn't be in this mess at all had he not made those comments.

Yep. But at least they changed the DQ rule

Isn't there usually an official when the drop by the green or right next to the water hazard? I've seen many a competitor ask an official if his drop was okay before he deemed his ball in play.

He should voluntarily withdraw IMO. It sucks, but it is the right thing to do.

tee time set for this afternoon

why is that the right thing to do?

Initially the drop was approved, then the rules committee had different ruling after he signed his card. It's not his fault he signed an incorrect card, as it all came after the fact. They've changed the rules to accommodate such rulings. He wasn't any closer to the pin, and it appeared be a reasonable proximity to his original shot. It wasn't two yards. And Brandel Chamblee is a pompous prick. Nobilo is so much easier to tolerate.

Faldo is a pillow biter