Jordan Spieth’s disqualification from the Genesis Invitational has sparked a huge backlash online.
The three-time major champion was in contention for the title this week after shooting an opening-round 66.
He was unable to continue that form on Friday, originally turning in a round of 72 to leave him one-over for the day.
However, that included a par score he wrote down on the fourth hole after he had actually made a bogey.
Jordan Spieth was disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard
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Spieth was made aware of his error after signing his scorecard, meaning it was too late for the American golf star to avoid disqualification.
He took “full responsibility” for his mistake and didn’t appear to have any issues with his disqualification.
He said: “Today, I signed for an incorrect scorecard and stepped out of the scoring area, after thinking I went through all procedures to make sure it was correct. Rules are rules, and I take full responsibility.
“I love this tournament and golf course as much as any on [the PGA Tour], so it hurts to not have a run at the weekend. Really appreciated the support in LA.”
But others were far more vocal against the PGA Tour for not giving Spieth the benefit of the doubt.
Mike McGee, who’s married to LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam, called for the scorecard rule to be scrapped altogether.
He said: “It’s time to stop the nonsense of players being disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard.
“That rule was meant for the old days when it was only the players in the group that could vouch for each other.
“Today there are hundreds if not thousands of people following these marquee groups each week.
“Everybody knows what everybody shot. Computers, walking scorers, media, etc. A simple scorecard signing error should not matter.”
European Tour star Eddie Pepperell also felt it was time for the rule to be changed with a direct plea to the sport’s rules regulators.
Jordan Spieth accepted full responsibility for his mistake
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He wrote: “Why are we still doing this guys? Nobody benefits in this. @RandA and @USGA
“Can we please look at changing this rule to a softer penalty please?
“There was also plenty of backlash from golf gans with many left asking why scorecards are still necessary.
Jordan Spieth had been in contention after the first round
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One person said: “Why are they still signing scorecards in an era of shotlink? Obviously a simple mistake blown out of proportion.”
Another posted: “Why do players have to submit a scorecard to begin with? Almost like there are hundreds of cameras on every hole watching their every move.”
A third tweeted: “Time for a rule change! Crazy when everyone knows the scores and they are posted everywhere too!”
One other person joked: “Think it’s time for a rule change ? That’s as outdated as having a land line.”
Source Agencies
