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Scheffler's Rare Ruling Gives Open Championship Birdie
19 Jul
Summary
- Scheffler used a rare rule for a free drop on the 17th hole.
- The ruling allowed him to take a birdie on the par 5.
- This rule has faced criticism for potential player advantage.
Scottie Scheffler benefited from a rare ruling on the 17th hole during Sunday's Round 4 of The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. His approach shot landed in a gated hospitality zone, designated as a Temporary Immovable Obstruction (TIO).
Under Model Local Rule F-23, Scheffler was permitted a free drop without needing to locate his ball. This rule is applicable when a ball is known or virtually certain to be in a TIO area. Scheffler took advantage of this to take relief, hit his third shot to 11 feet, and sank the putt for a birdie.
The use of TIO relief, particularly the 'backboarding' tactic where players intentionally aim for spectator areas, has faced criticism. A similar situation occurred at the 2024 Sony Open, where Carl Yuan received a free drop from a grandstand.
Scheffler finished The Open at 7-under-par after a subsequent bogey on the 18th hole. The controversial ruling highlighted the complexities and potential strategic advantages within the rules of golf.
