As part of serving the game, the USGA writes and interprets the Rules of Golf in conjunction with The R&A in St. Andrews, Scotland. Learning the Rules enhances the personal challenge and the level of enjoyment that comes from playing the game.
Each week we receive questions regarding rules of play from what was seen on television or first-hand when attending an event. In an effort to provide a better knowledge of the rules game we will share in "Asked and Answered: Know the Rules" the questions and answers on LPGA.com.
Today's Question:
During the final round of the JTBC Founders Cup why did Stacy Lewis make Hyo Joo Kim putt first on 18th?
ANSWER: After reviewing the events on the 18th green, I think your question is why did Stacy Lewis not putt out and leave the stage for Hyo Joo Kim? Hyo Joo had a 10 foot putt for birdie and Stacy was left with 3 feet for par. If Stacy had putted first and missed, she takes all the pressure off of her fellow competitor, as now Hyo Joo could 3-putt and win. Putting out and leaving the stage for the winner is a generally accepted practice but it is a player’s right to have her fellow competitor play first if she is farther from the hole. In this case, Stacy’s actions were justified.
)
)
)
)
