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USA Today via Reuters
Apr 22, 2021; Avondale, Louisiana, USA; Scottie Scheffler watches his shot from the 10th fairway during the first round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
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USA Today via Reuters
Apr 22, 2021; Avondale, Louisiana, USA; Scottie Scheffler watches his shot from the 10th fairway during the first round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Jimmy Walker’s comeback after a year’s exemption is being celebrated across the golf world. He is currently playing at the RBC Heritage and has had a great start. However, when you have been away from golf for so long, there are chances that you might need some help or assistance with the rules. Saturday saw this happening in the most heartwarming way. The showcase of sportsmanship by Scottie Scheffler was plausible. But what happened?
What actually happened with Jimmy Walker?
According to GOLF.com, on Saturday, Walker began his second shot on the 580-yard. It was par-5 15th. The pro pulled out a 3-iron from his bag and took a shot. Unfortunately, the ball landed near tees and water. And sadly no one saw where it went. The question was whether Walker’s ball hit the trees or landed in the water. During the CBS broadcast, Analyst Trevor Immelman said, “You have three minutes” to search for the ball.
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According to Rule 17.1c, “If a player’s ball has not been found and it is known or virtually certain that the ball came to rest in a penalty area: The player may take penalty relief under Rule 17.1d or 17.2.” Walker and the rule official ruled out the possibility of the ball being stuck in trees or landing in the water. However, they kept trying to figure out the location of the ball. Because that would determine a lot of things. If the ball landed in the water, Walker could exercise three forms of relief. Namely, stroke-and-distance, back-on-the-line, or lateral.
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USA Today via Reuters
January 31, 2016; La Jolla, CA, USA; Jimmy Walker hits from the fourth hole tee during the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament at Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course – South Course. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
But to make sure, ‘virtual certainty’ was required. There should be physical evidence of the ball landing in the penalty area. Because if the ball wasn’t found in water and they ruled trees out, the golfer will have to start from his original point. That would be a major setback and would affect his overall game. But, when you are determined, the universe sends you relief, and this time it was in the form of the 2022 Masters Champion, Scottie Scheffler.
Scottie Scheffler – the angel in disguise
After a lengthy search, everyone came to a conclusion that the ball must have crossed the penalty area. But what if the ball was lost? That wouldn’t have ended well for Walker. But then entered Scottie Scheffler, subsequently saving the day. He walked over to the tree from where the search began in the first place. He pointed up and called out to Dottie and asked, “Were they saying it crossed on that side? It had to hit this tree. I think it hit this one. It was too high to hit those.”
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via Imago
Scottie Scheffler walks up to the green on the 7th hole during a practice round at the Masters tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. Scheffler is the defending Masters champion and is currently ranking number one in the world. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY AUG20230405513 BOBxSTRONG
After a brief discussion, everyone agreed the ball was not lost. As a result, Walker was given a lay with a chance to hit the green or go past it because of the drop. The pro golfer chipped on and dropped a 7-footer for a bogey six. Pepper said on the broadcast that it was lucky to receive the “vote of confidence” about where the ball actually landed. Due to Scheffler’s meddling, Walker was saved. He could have focused on his next shot, but instead, he chose to help a fellow player. It was the ultimate showcase of the sportsmanship by Scheffler.
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What are your thoughts about the whole incident? And do you think Scheffler did the right thing? Please share your views in the comments below.
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