So let me get this straight: you are in favor of the max penalty assessment in all situations. Are you going to take that stance the next time you have a run in with an ordinance of some kind? You know, IRS, speeding, homeowners association, etc? You are going to volunteer to take the most severe penalty available? I guess so.
My point is, his infraction was so nuanced that even the Masters Committee wasn’t sure it was an infraction for a couple of hours - and such an infraction should be penalized - but I don’t think the electric chair (the DQ equivalent in a golf tournament) is the appropriate penalty. Moreover, in the US Open, the PGA, or the British Open, there would have been a rules official with every group. The Masters chooses not to do that to keep the inside the rope area less populated for image purposes - therefore, they believe that they share some culpability here in the event.
When did I say I was in favor of the max penalty assessment in all situations? I clearly said I would have been OK with either outcome -they exercised the discretion allowed under the new rule. People are free to agree or disagree with that decision.
I was simply pointing out that I found your arguments to be unconvincing.