To be abundantly clear, this is not a knock on Peter Malnati.
He used the rules to his advantage, which is exactly what anyone else what do.
It lies with the rules of golf.
That entitles Malnati to a free drop under rule 24-2, which covers immovable obstructions.
In this instance, that meant Malnati could drop his ball directly onto the fringe.
That’s not right.
Again, it’s not Malnati’s fault for using the rule to his advantage.
It’s the rule’s fault.
The nearest point of relief must not be in a hazard or on a putting green.
Why is it any different when the ball’s in the rough?
You should not be able to skirt that impediment due to a technicality.
Malnati should’ve had three options:
1.
Play the ball as it lies2.
I don’t expect a change to actually happen, but it should.
Let’s also note that Malnati birdied the 17th hole and won the tournament by two in the end.
He likely still wins if he didn’t get that all-time lucky break.
But he did, and it shouldn’t happen moving forward.
With that out of the way, we’re now free to give Malnati his flowers.
He’s something of an easy target on tour.
He’s a Midwest kid.
He didn’t play at some blue-blood program.
He’s hardly ever in contention.
He’s also now into all the signature events for the rest of the year.
“And when I was outside, I was compelled to say this.
He’s among the 5 or 10 most talented players on the PGA Tour from a ball striking perspective.
He’s a guy that stops you in your tracks on the driving range.
But he simply has not been able to summon the magic when it matters most.
He missed a good look at birdie on 17, but that happens.
It was 18 feet.
You’re going to miss more of those than you make.
But what happened on 18 was inexcusable.
He was, predictably, not enthused after the round when asked what his emotions were.
“I don’t know,” Young said.
The victory brings her back to world No.
A dominant Korda in 2024 would absolutely help grow the women’s game.
It’s his best finish since a T2 at the BMW PGA Championship in 2021.
He’s still smashing it 300+ yards.
He seems to never, ever tire.
We’re inching ever closer to the Masters, which begins in 17 days.
Scottie Scheffler is back in action this week looking to win his third consecutive PGA Tour event.
He finished solo second that week to Tony Finau, who’s the defending champion this week.
This meeting should’ve happened months ago, but better late than never.
Woods and al-Rumayyan played golf together.
Onward this saga goes.
Until next week,
Dan
