Solheim Sullied - Golf Week 21.09.2015
In reaction to the recent events that took place in Germany, at the Solheim Cup, it would seem necessary to weigh in. First and foremost, an absolutely incredible team effort by the Americans’ in the singles. Overturning the biggest deficit in the event’s history, to win the Cup by claiming 8.5 of the possible 12 single points up for grab and in so doing finishing the event with 14.5 points to Europe’s 13.5. Did this comeback have anything to do with what happened at the 17th green a few hours previous in the morning’s foursomes? A short and sweat answer would be yes, it did and fully hats off to the Ladies for pulling off an awesome win. However, in the wake of this controversy, has an absolute legend, and yes Suzann Pettersen is exactly that, been left out to dry in a witch hunt. One that for all intents and purposes is caused by the reading of the rules, of the game, both sides chose to abide by when they first teed off earlier last week. “1-3. Agreement to Waive RulesPlayers must not agree to exclude the operation of any Rule or to waive any penalty incurred.” As set out in the R&A Rules of golf.
THE INCIDENT: At approximately, 5 minutes to shit hitting the fan o’clock, Alison Lee tapped up to about 2 feet, the Europeans walked towards the greens edge and Lee picked her ball up. All seemed well and even the commentators were oblivious to what was about to take place. What follows has shocked the golfing world, for the right and wrong reasons. It transpires that Lee picked her ball up under the belief that she had heard “that is good” or some derivation giving her permission to pick her ball up. This did not happen and Pettersen and Hull claimed the hole, under a breach of the rules. The ensuing media storm and player bashing is disrespectful and truly shocking, especially coming from a game that is known and actively practiced in the best possible definition of etiquette and orderliness (rigid and stuffy as it is, it is still a gentlemens’ and gentle ladies’ sport).
Why do I feel that there has been disrespect? First I should clarify that I stand behind Pettersen, she should not have to apologise and take full blame for a situation that involved many parties, secondly I am completely against the active pursuit and blatant verbal abuse the American Captain Juli Inkster leveled at her. Does it mean I think things were handled well? Certainly not is the answer, but from one player to another, calling names, flailing arms and in your face flamboyances are not even remotely appreciated or to be tolerated in a sporting event, let alone one as uptight as golf.
Back on point, Juli had cause to react, but not in the manner she did and I believe she should return Suzann’s apology with a nice one of her own, a kiss on the cheek and this sordid affair can be placed in the past and remembered solely as an incredibly well carried out classic, played in the best of spirits. It won’t I know that, but hey sometimes it is fair to be a romantic, love glazed and out of touch.
Again back on point to what I think: Professionals should know better than to blindly pick a ball up. I for one ask more than once (much to the annoyance of my opponents I am sure) whether they have conceded the putt and sometimes even if they had not originally. To pick a ball up in a noisy atmosphere, such as the one the cup was played in, without a double check is foolish and unfortunately the root of this controversy
What should be considered:
Did either the Europeans concede the putt?
Since neither did, what do the rules of golf state?
“Rule 20-1. Lifting and Marking A ball to be lifted under the Rules may be lifted by the player, his partner or another person authorised by the player. In any such case, the player is responsible for any breach of the Rules. The position of the ball must be marked before it is lifted under a Rule that requires it to be replaced. If it is not marked, the player incurs a penalty of one stroke and the ball must be replaced. If it is not replaced, the player incurs the general penalty for breach of this Rule but there is no additional penalty under Rule 20-1.” As set out in the R&A Rules of golf.”
Did Lee lift her ball without marking? Yes
Suzann could not, even if she had wanted to, let Lee off for that breach. As previously stated Rule 1-3, covers this
Is the situation unfortunate? Yes
Could it have been handled better? Yes
Lee could have, as much as Pettersen has had to, take responsibility. She was the one who broke the rules, even if unintended, this is golf and mistakes happen, but the rules are there to be enforced and thereafter followed
Did Suzann act in an unsportsmanlike manner? No she did not, she cannot lie and say ‘yes I said I gave you that putt’, that would be cheating for another person’s benefit, which strangely under the rule book of the old people at St Andrew’s is covered by another type of penalty and one that states loss of hole at that. She acted in the best interest of her team and any golfer who has used a ruling for the benefit of his or her team knows what she did and at the very least can accept the decision as correct. Inkster no doubt has been involved in something similar, even if of less spotlight type notice, and should step down that pedestal to acknowledge and apologise
Did Pettersen and co’s turning from the green amount to a tacit acknowledgement of the putt being conceded? No, only an explicit and verbally clear communication can see a putt being given What does this mean for the game of golf? Well that is the question on the lips of golfers, non golfers, but all of us fans. I am not certain, but the fire that builds in uncontrollable flames during the Ryder Cup, certainly has blown as a wild fire into the Solheim Cup and I expect the next installment to no doubt provide some more interesting moments, fist pumps and heated exchanges.
I think that is fantastic for the game, but it should be carried out in a respectful manner for the professionals at the centre of the blaze. If they cannot show one another courtesy, then the wrong message is being sent to the youngsters already turning from the game for cycling (or an uncomfortable experience as I think of it).
Again congrats to the Americans and a look to the lessons learnt for both sides and all the individuals comprising the teams. Shake hands, kiss cheeks, down a beverage or three and come back next time refueled and ready to make history once more.
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