TLDR:
- Austin Eckroat was penalized for waiting too long for his putt to drop during the Players Championship.
- According to the rules of golf, players can only wait 10 seconds for a putt to drop once they get to their ball.
You know it’s a tough day when even your birdies don’t count as birdies. Such was the case for Austin Eckroat on Sunday at the Players Championship. Eckroat’s ball stopped and hung over the edge of the cup for too long before finally dropping, resulting in a penalty stroke. This strange incident highlights the strict rules of golf and how even a small delay can lead to consequences.
The incident occurred at the par-5 11th hole, where Eckroat’s 20-foot putt curled behind the cup but took too long to drop. Despite eventually going in, the delay led to a penalty stroke for Eckroat. The situation was captured on video and showed the entire sequence of events, including Eckroat receiving a little help from his playing partner. The PGA Tour’s leaderboard displayed the penalty stroke as “Shot 5,” making it a rare occurrence in professional golf.
This incident serves as a reminder to all golfers about the time constraints for putts and the importance of adhering to the rules. It also showcases the precision and scrutiny that players face on the course, where even a slight delay can result in significant consequences. Eckroat’s disappointing par demonstrates the fine line between success and penalty in the game of golf.