USGA Issues Statement Regarding Handling of Johnson Situation; Sets up Phone Number, E-mail for Feedback

2016 U.S. Open
OAKMONT, Pa. (EYT) – The United States Golf Association issued a statement Monday regarding its handling of the Dustin Johnson penalty-stroke situation while also setting up an e-mail address and telephone hotline for fans to give feedback on how it was handled.

(Photo – Spectators take in the action during a practice round for the 2016 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pa. on Monday, June 13, 2016. (Copyright USGA/Jeff Haynes))

“Our team at the USGA has seen and heard a great deal of discussion and debate about the ruling on Dustin’s ball moving during the final round of the 2016 U.S. Open Championship at Oakmont Country Club,” the statement read. “In addition to the explanations we offered upon the conclusion of the final round, we add these comments.

Upon reflection, we regret the distraction caused by our decision to wait until the end of the round to decide on the ruling. It is normal 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 leaderboard 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.”

The statement went on to talk about what the USGA believed was the reason for how the situation was handled.

“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,” the statement continued. “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 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.”

The USGA added that it appreciated the support of the players, fans and entire golf community of their championships and it would appreciate your feedback as well.

“We have established an email address (comments@usga.org) and phone mailbox (908-326-1857) to receive comments,” the statement said “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.”


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