It already has been dubbed the HD rule, but as far as clarity, this is a low-definition decision.
Protecting players from the after-the-fact impact of videotape called into question by armchair rules officials at home, the rule-makers at the US Golf Association and Royal & Ancient this week announced changes on how replays will be used, starting January 1.
Though many fans know the rules better than players, rule-makers nonetheless have invited subjectivity squarely into the mix, which is the last thing the game needs after a year of headline-making rules situations, notably involving the world No 1 Tiger Woods.
In certain rules disputes next year, if a player claims he did not see his ball move from its original at-rest position, regardless of what videotape might indicate, he will not be penalised “as long as movement was not reasonably discernible to the naked eye at the time”, the governing bodies said.
Reasonableness is a subjective call, leaving the rule book bathed in grey. The change creates the possibility of preferential treatment from officials – whether it exists or not is immaterial. Creating that perception is damaging, period.
Incredibly, the major tours do not fully monitor live TV broadcasts with a rules official. With millions in prize money on the line, if a call from a fan means violations are properly sanctioned, where is the harm? Getting the results right should be paramount.
They should hit the rewind button on this one.
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