We all share an abiding love of this great game . Let us continue to work together for its good . weight of the evidence , it was more likely than not that Dustin caused his ball to move . Dustin ’ s putter contacted the ground at the side of the ball , and almost immediately after , the ball moved
USGA statement concerning DJ
for rulings based on video evidence to await the end of a round , when the matter can be discussed with the player before the score card is returned . While our focus on getting the ruling correct was appropriate , we created uncertainty about where players stood on the leader board after we informed Dustin on the 12th tee that his actions on the fifth green might lead to a penalty . This created unnecessary ambiguity for Dustin and the other players , as well as spectators on-site , and those watching and listening on television and digital channels .
During any competition , the priority for Rules officials is to make the correct ruling for the protection of the player ( s ) involved and the entire field . In applying Rule 18- 2 , which deals with a ball at rest that moves , officials consider all the relevant evidence - including the player ’ s actions , the time between those actions and the movement of the ball , the lie of the ball , and course and weather conditions . If that evidence , considered together , shows that it is more likely than not that the player ’ s actions caused the ball to move , the player incurs a one-stroke penalty . Officials use this “ more likely than not ” standard because it is not always apparent what caused the ball to move . Such situations require a review of the evidence , with Decision 18-2 / 0.5 providing guidance on how the evidence should be weighed .
Our officials reviewed the video of Dustin on the fifth green and determined that based on the
We all share an abiding love of this great game . Let us continue to work together for its good . weight of the evidence , it was more likely than not that Dustin caused his ball to move . Dustin ’ s putter contacted the ground at the side of the ball , and almost immediately after , the ball moved
We accept that not everyone will agree that Dustin caused his ball to move . Issues under Rule 18-2 often require a judgment where there is some uncertainty , and this was one of those instances . We also understand that some people may disagree with Rule 18-2 itself . While we respect the viewpoints of those who disagree , our Committee made a careful and collective judgment in its pursuit of a fair competition played under the Rules of Golf .
In keeping with our commitment to excellence in all aspects of our work on behalf of the game of golf , we pledge to closely examine our procedures in this matter . We will assess our procedures for handling video review , the timing of such , and our communication with players to make sure that when confronted with such a situation again , we will have a better process .
We at the USGA deeply appreciate the support of players , fans , and the entire golf community of our championships and our other work for golf - and we appreciate your feedback as well . We have established an email address ( comments @ usga . org ) and phone mailbox ( 908-326-1857 ) to receive comments . We thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts .
We all share an abiding love of this great game . Let us continue to work together for its good .
From Backspin junior staff writer Stephen Rashford :
Dustin Johnson played most Sunday afternoon with a one stroke penalty looming over his head . As Dustin wound up to putt at the fifth hole on the final day of the tournament , his ball appeared to move .
The rules officials didn ’ t say anything at first .
Johnson brought the inspection on himself when he waved down an official and backed away from the ball . This was followed by three hours of controversy surrounding whether or not D . J . caused the ball to move .
Many of Johnson ’ s peers took to twitter to share their anger at the review of the play . 2015 U . S . Open winner Jordan Spieth tweeted , “ Lemme get this straight . DJ doesn ’ t address it . It ’ s ruled that he didn ’ t cause it to move . Now you tell him he may have ? Now ? This a joke ?”
Rory Mcllroy followed this by saying , “ This is ridiculous ... No penalty whatsoever for DJ . Let the guy play without this crap in his head . Amateur hour from @ USGA .”
And Finally Ricky Fowler added , “.@ JordanSpieth @ McIlroyRory w / you boys ! The fact that the @ usga thinks that DJ caused the ball to move is completely ridiculous ! Laughable !.”
As Johnson neared the last three holes and his competition fell behind , he still played solid golf . He was -4 with the closest competitor at -1 with one hole left .
His long and tedious walk to the second shot on 18 must have felt like hours , and then he hit the ball four feet away from the hole , and the crowd leaped to its feet . His mind must have flooded with memories of giving away the open last year to Jordan Spieth on a three foot missed kick in last year .
As he saw the ball sink into the hole , he ran to see his wife and child and cherished the moment he had been waiting for his whole life . Finally Dustin Johnson had won a major , something that had eluded him so many times before .