The Genesis Scottish Open 2023 is currently in its third round and players are in a race to win the trophy. However, an incident that took place at the bunker wall today at the Renaissance Club, has caused quite a stir among fans. A Sam Burns’ shot has apparently defied the rules of gravity.
Currently sitting at T44 on the leaderboard, Burns had an amazing second round that closed on -5 points. But this incident on Saturday completely affected his last performance. Let’s uncover what exactly happened.
Sam Burns and his gravity defying shot that has everyone perplexed
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The third round of the $9,000,000 tournament is currently underway and a peculiar yet bizarre situation has put everyone in a state of disbelief. An unbelievable shot has caught several eyes. During the 4th day of the event, on the 10th hole, Burns attempted to hit a long iron that stayed in the revetted face of a nasty fairway bunker.
The ball was supposed to come down in the sand (as it was embedded in the sod), but it stood right there on the pitch mark. Due to this, the 5 times PGA Tour winner had to call out a ruling. A lengthy discussion of 15 minutes then commenced and unfortunately, the decision came against Burns.
Sean Zak took to Twitter to share the incident and wrote: “Sam Burns drilled a bunker shot into the face, then the ball squeaked out and somehow defied gravity. Rules officials determined his shot would not be interfered with one of the “seams” of sod that make the face. No relief given! Burns was then Motumbo’d back into the bunker.”
Sam Burns drilled a bunker shot into the face, then the ball squeaked out and somehow defied gravity.
Rules officials determined his shot would not be interfered with one of the "seams" of sod that make the face. No relief given!
Burns was then Motumbo'd back into the bunker. pic.twitter.com/H207VSo4iO
— Sean Zak (@Sean_Zak) July 15, 2023
In a nutshell, since the ball got stuck into the bunker wall and it wasn’t seam, Burns got no relief and he had to take another stroke. His fans got into the Twitter discussion where most of them questioned the ruling.
Fans react to the unbelievable ruling and its timing!
Soon after the Twitter video went viral, fans started agitating regarding the massive incident. While some of them agreed with the referee’s judgment, others pinpointed why it took him so long to make it. Let’s read some of them right away.
Then 15 mins for a ruling which was as amateur as the second shot 🤣
— Sandy Jamieson (@jamogolf) July 15, 2023
Correct call from the officials.. eventually.
— Taryl Thomas (@TarylT) July 15, 2023
The length of time to make the ruling decision was an embarrassment. Why do we have a PGA official with no experience of links golf involved? He couldn’t even make a decision so pointless even having him there.
— Darren Scott (@dazascott85) July 15, 2023
Glad common sense prevailed on the ruling. That was a poor start from the referee, stacked turf rule of golf.
— Graham Morgan (@GrayMorgan) July 15, 2023
The right decision in the end, but the process was ridiculous. It was simple Rules issue, which the referee didn't have clue about.
— Stuart Maxwell (@Cestrian2203) July 15, 2023
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As an American I am embarrassed how long ruling took amateur hour, take your medicine speed the game up GeezUs
— Pro (@HecklerKochPro) July 15, 2023
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Well, this incident led Burns to get 3 bogeys which has affected his performance drastically. However, it will be interesting to see whether he will be able to turn the tables around, and get himself on the top of the leaderboard in the next round. What are your thoughts on the decision taken and the time required to take it? Let us know what you think about this incident in the comments below.
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