Rulings on Woods, Guan create buzz at Masters

Rulings involving Tiger Woods and Tianlang Guan have drawn plenty of attention the past couple days at the Masters Tournament.

The two-stroke penalty assessed on Woods following an improper drop at No. 15 on Friday created a buzz Saturday morning. The day began with questions among patrons as to whether he would be disqualified.

Augusta National Golf Club released a statement in the morning with its final ruling:

“After meeting with the player, it was determined that he had violated Rule 26, and he was assessed a two stroke penalty. The penalty of disqualification was waived by the Committee under Rule 33 as the Committee had previously reviewed the information and made its initial determination prior to the finish of the player’s round.”

The Woods ruling generated a range of opinions from patrons.

“If it was another golfer, I’m not sure it would have been the same ruling,” said Steven Bellamy, from Washington, D.C. “I think if it was another golfer he could have been DQ’d. The rules have some flexibility, so I can understand how he was allowed to stay in.”

Tom Schifino, from Louisville, Ky., thinks Woods was given favorable treatment.

“I think if it was anybody else it would have been a disqualification,” he said. “He signed a card that was incorrect. He didn’t have the nerves to do what was right. I think if it was anybody else he would have been disqualified. It seems like they did (Guan’s ruling) to the letter of the law, but with Tiger we have the flexibility to make the decision we want to make.”

Others, such as Bob Joyce, from New York, said he understood Woods’ situation.

“If anybody should know the rules, it’s Tiger,” he said. “I would have probably done exactly the same thing he did. Being a professional like that, it’s unfortunate. Huge news, especially when he’s on the leaderboard. That’s what makes it really tough.”

Many patrons understood Guan’s pace-of-play ruling Friday, saying both sides handled it well. Guan was docked a one-stroke penalty for slow play after being warned.

“That young man is very mature,” Joyce said. “I understand he said he understood the ruling and was OK with it. At 14 years old as an eighth grader, that’s pretty amazing to me. That young man has more class. It’s just amazing. I’m glad that he made the cut. I think it’s great for golf.”