I always play by the rules.
I did learn something in this.
In pro play, say a green is cut super slick, such that the ball rarely if ever, rests on the green, but rolls off of it. The type of green where most players take 3-5 strokes,..or more,..on the approach to get in the cup.
If there is a water hazard, the smart play is to approach closest the cup with no spin, then allow the gradient on the green to take the ball off the green into the water hazard, setting a new line for the next stroke.
Then you have a new line directly along the green’s gradient to the cup. Making a much more reliable approach than any other, but not living up to the intent of it being a penalty shot with more risk than the original.
Saw an interview with Ben Crenshaw this morning on the Golf Channel and he stated that there has never been a tournament he has played in where he hasn't had to call a rules official over to discuss a potential shot penalty......
As a side note, why are the Woods detractors so focused on him and yet there is no mention about the total lack of television coverage of Scott Piercy? Point being, every shot Woods makes is being televised and viewed by millions and subjected to scrutiny. And yet a golfer such as Piercy gets no coverage at all and thus no chance of having committed a penalty that only a viewer would notice........
just sayin'......