The Drop

The USGA and R&A issued a statement on Wednesday explaining the ruling that saved Tiger Woods from disqualification at the Masters for taking an illegal drop. Basically, the governing bodies clarified that it will not serve as a precedent for waiving the penalty (disqualification) for signing an incorrect scorecard (see below under “Scope of Committee Discretion to Waive a Penalty of Disqualification for Failure to Return Correct Score”).

Pros (and amateur competitors) must still make sure they return an accurate score, so you can’t pull a “Tiger” – who was extended a lifeline because Fred Ridley, Masters tournament competition committee chairman, made an “erroneous” application of the rule. I know, darn it!

Here is the statement in full: (continue reading…)

The most famous improper drop in history

Fantastic reporting by SI’s Michael Bamberger on the series of events that led to the Tiger Woods rules snafu on the 15th hole in the second round of the Masters last month. Turns out the “television viewer” that called Fred Ridley, the tournament’s competition committee chairman — and ultimately saved Woods’ from disqualification for taking an improper drop — was Champions Tour player David Eger, according to Bamberger: (continue reading…)

G-Mac sporting the tartan jacket that comes along with winning the trophy at Hilton Head

Graeme McDowell, one of the most popular players (especially in the interview room and at his recently-opened tavern, Nona Blue, in Orlando), returned to the PGA Tour winner’s circle at last week’s RBC Heritage Classic. Let’s take a look at how G-Mac won, along with a quick peek at Adam Scott’s victory at the Masters.

[*Ed note: Sorry this is a bit late -- it's my fault, not Shoshana's. Please forgive me!]

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Tiger’s illegal drop

While Tiger Woods wasn’t aware he had made an illegal drop on the 15th hole during the second round of the Masters, a bunch of high school golfers in New York City spotted his mistake.

Catholic High School Athletic Association golf coaches make sure the members of their teams know the USGA rules. Bill Niklaus, head coach of the Archbishop Molloy boys golf team and the CHSAA golf chairman, had several of his players ask him the Monday following the Masters why Woods wasn’t penalized on the course, according to the New York Daily News. (continue reading…)

Stevie Williams celebrating his 14th major

Tiger Woods’ former caddie Stevie Williams chimed in on Tiger’s improper drop controversy in the second round of the Masters, which resulted in a two-shot penalty. New Zealand’s 3News caught up with Williams, who is now Adam Scott’s looper, after he landed from the long journey back from Augusta.

Stevie just can’t help himself. (continue reading…)

As you know, Adam Scott won his first major and became the first Australian to win The Masters, which is beyond ginormous for the country.

Lucky for you — as the regular viewers of our show know — Luke Elvy, is an Australian golf commentator, who knows Scotty as well if not better than anyone in the media. He provides fantastic analysis and knowledgeable insight into Scott’s victory that you won’t get anywhere else.

In a sit-down interview with ESPN’s Tom Rinaldi, Masters champ Adam Scott talks about capturing his first major.

And yes, the quote in the headline (around the 2:50 minute mark) is referring to the same Open Championship where Scott led by four with four to play, and did not take home the Claret Jug.

While his comment makes him seem a bit delusional, it also makes him all the more likable.

Sweet, sweet
redemption.

There’s that moment on Masters Sunday when no matter how badly you have to go to the bathroom or grab another beer, you’re glued to your seat and fixated on watching the 18th hole at Augusta National Golf Club. And then, out of nowhere, Adam Scott drills a 30-footer for birdie on the 72nd hole to fire a three-under 69 and move to nine-under.

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That’s what it looks like when you win The Masters

If you don’t think Adam Scott is attractive, you need to get your eyes checked. And that doesn’t just go for women. I’m talking to you, too, guys! You need to get your head checked if you can’t admit the 2013 Masters champion is handsome.

Two things: 1) There were just a few photographs taken of Scotty making two clutch putts to become the  first Australian to win at Augusta National in the tournament’s 77-year history; and 2) He’s mildly photogenic.

Thus, I figured I’d put together an AUS-SOME gallery. OK, fine, this is completely gratuitous, but trust me, you’ll thank me later . (continue reading…)

Well, that was a thrilling finish! Last night when I was writing my preview post for today, the headline I had type was: “One for the ages.” For some reason, I changed it, but turned out, this Masters really was one for the ages.

Thanks so much for tweeting your questions. FYI, we started answering them around the 22 minute mark. (continue reading…)