His was a flagrant violation that essentially is unprecedented in golf’s history; as the author said, he made a mockery of the game. He didn’t “play by the rules,” he intentionally broke the rule.
I don’t know. Obviously there wouldn’t be a rule if people had it done it before. So the fact that he did it and then got a penalty for doing it would seem like more than enough punishment.
Horseshit. ESPN is a mockery.
You and those FOX Sports jaggovs act like he peed in the cup or something. The controlling organization, who know far more about golf than a buncha jokers on some internet forum, are good with the way it was handled. Their money, their tourney.
The loudest whining I've heard is from a buncha drama queen "commentators". Haven't heard much complaining from the other players who would be actually affected by this.
Best I can tell he had a little fun with an already bad situation. Nobody is hurt. Nobody's out any money with antics from a guy that far out of the running. And how much has Phil done for the game over his life?
So hey, lighten up, Francis.. d;^)
OK, so you're a mind-reader?
How can intent be determined in such a situation. Maybe Mickleson's frustration rendered him "out of control" and he didn't intend to strike the ball while is was rolling.
Intent, schmintent.
The officials assessed the standard two stroke penalty for striking one's own moving ball. I'm sure it's happened before in the history of USGA tournaments.
Calling for anything more than the standard penalty in this case smacks of excessive moral outrage, IMHO. Also, there is no doubt that top players are given more leeway than no-names—just like in every other professional sport...
You have waaaay too much time on your hands. Can’t you do volunteer work?
Be angry at the committee, they had the power to disqualify him and decided not to do that. he took his penalty for violating the rule. the rules were followed and the penalty was applied.