[Timeout]

Good morning, friends!

Well, as I feared, controversy is raging around Stewart's hit out of the "waste area" on Sunday. I won't get into all the details...it turns out there is no golf rule specifically covering waste areas. There are two rules which come into play: one allowing removal of impediments and another disallowing improvement of one's lie. The rules leave room for differing interpretations. PGA rules officials are supporting Stewart's play.

Purdy was on the Golf Channel last night. He's not filing an official challenge, but he's waging a public relations challenge against the PGA ruling. It's a shame, but I'm sure he thinks he's doing the right thing. One thing I'm sure of...Stewart would never, ever do anything he thought was against the rules. His integrity is far more important to him than winning.

Tonight the Golf Channel will be interviewing the PGA official who made the ruling. We'll see what he says. In the meantime, I can't help but think the Hilton Head course officials are going to have to clarify the rules before next year's tournament. I hate this for Stewart...slaying mental "demons" is the most difficult task a tour player faces. Bless his heart.

[lodwick]

PGA rules officials are supporting Stewart's play.

Lord...the guy asks for a ruling, gets it, does what needs doing, makes a great shot and people are having trouble with this?

Have a great week in Atlantis, Cinks - you earned it fair and square.

[mountaineer]

I've long objected to the tour's even paying attention when TV viewers call in to point out perceived violations, which is what I heard happened here. The rules official made his ruling on the course, during the tournament. That should be the end of the story.

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

I am not a golfer, so could you please clarify what a 'waste area' is?

[Endeavor]

I don't see what all the ruckus is about - the official made the ruling as to what was appropriate before Stewart did anything to the lie, so what else is a player to do but do what the official allows? It'd been the same ruling if it had been Purdy's ball. What purpose is served re-hashing this? They aren't going to go back and play another play-off.

Facts are he hit a terrific ball out of the waste area and won the tournament. Game, Set, Match. (er, rather, tee, fairway, green)

[BigWaveBetty]

Noooo! You call those Hilton Head people and tell them BWB's hubby will turn off their deep water injection well (designed by Mr. B and they really like it since it provides more than enough water cheaply for HH) if they change the ruling. Grrrrrr.