Jim Furyk Misses USGA Rule on Practice After Hole 18 as Fog Halts U.S. Open
Updated
Updated · GOLF.com · Jun 18
Jim Furyk Misses USGA Rule on Practice After Hole 18 as Fog Halts U.S. Open
3 articles · Updated · GOLF.com · Jun 18
Summary
Heavy fog suspended play at Shinnecock Hills early Thursday, and the stoppage exposed a rule gap when Jim Furyk said on air he was "totally unaware" players may practice on the green they just finished.
USGA official Jay Roberts told USA's broadcast that Rule 5.2b allows stroke-play competitors to practice on or near the previous putting green, even if they will play that hole again later the same day.
That surprised not only 2003 U.S. Open champion Furyk but also former PGA Tour winner Curt Byrum, underscoring how unfamiliar the rule is even among experienced pros.
The confusion stems from the PGA Tour, which uses Model Local Rule I-2 to ban practice on the just-completed green, conditioning players to avoid something the USGA permits at the U.S. Open.
The same allowance applies to recreational golfers as long as they do not delay play, making the fog delay a broader reminder that USGA and PGA Tour rules can diverge.