PGA Tour Makes Major Rule Change Aimed At Reducing Disqualifications Due To Improper Scorecards

The PGA Tour sent a memo to players on Tuesday introducing a major rule change aimed at limiting disqualifications due to scorecard errors.

If you recall correctly, Jordan Spieth was disqualified from the Genesis Invitational in February when he accidentally signed an incorrect scorecard.

Spieth signed for a 3 on the Par 3, fourth hole, when he actually made a bogey 4.

“Today, I signed for an incorrect scorecard and stepped out of the scoring area, after thinking I went through all procedures to make sure it was correct,” Spieth tweeted afterward. “Rules are rules, and I take full responsibility. I love this tournament and golf course as much as any on @PGATOUR so it hurts to not have a run at the weekend.”

Rules are rules.

But it was a bit silly to see one of the game’s biggest stars ousted for what was ultimately a clerical error.

PGA Tour Makes Rule Change Regarding Scorecards After Jordan Spieth Mishap

And clearly, the PGA Tour agrees.

“We are pleased to announce that an amendment to ‘scorecard returned’ will now provide a player a 15-minute window to correct an error on his scorecard, even if he has left the scoring area,” the memo to players read.

This means:

• • If a scorecard is validated in the scoring system and the player has left the scoring area, he may return to correct an error within 15 minutes of its validation
  • If a player has left the scoring area and an error is identified before the scorecard is validated in the scoring system, he may return to correct the error within 15 minutes of the error being identified by the scoring official
  • If a player is in the scoring area when the 15 minutes expires, his scorecard is returned when he leaves the scoring area.

In essence, players can now go back and fix any mistakes with regard to scorecards. Which, in our view, is a good change. Nobody wants to see their favorite player sent home for something that was easily fixable and didn’t affect the outcome.

This is just good business for all parties involved.