Jordan Spieth DQd after incorrect scorecard blunder
The Texan paid the ultimate price for a returning a wrong score for a hole following Friday’s second round at the Genesis Invitational at Riviera
It was all going off at the Genesis Invitational. Hours after host Tiger Woods withdrew, suffering from flu-like symptoms and requiring an IV in the Riviera clubhouse, another of the tournament’s big draws discovered he wouldn’t be playing the weekend.
The PGA Tour announced Jordan Spieth had been disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard – certifying a 3 instead of a 4 at the par 3 4th hole. He thought he’d shot 72. Actually, he’d finished with 73.
“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,” the three-time major winner wrote on X.
“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. Really appreciated the support in LA.”
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. Rules are rules, and I take full responsibility. I love this tournament and golf course as much as any on @PGATOUR so it hurts…
— Jordan Spieth (@JordanSpieth) February 17, 2024
Jordan Spieth DQd: What do the scorecard rules say?
Spieth’s misfortune brought complaints from some on social media about whether professional tournaments, with TV scoring and automated leaderboards, should be subject to the same rules you face in your club competitions.
Others asked whether the punishment actually fit the crime.
Golf in an absolute mess and this happens to one of its stars and player representatives.
Change the rules!!!!! This is just plain madness!
2/3/4 shot penalty, take your pick, but have JORDAN SPIETH still playing! pic.twitter.com/JaL7qfxqlR— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) February 17, 2024
But the Rules here are, at least, pretty clear.
Rule 3.3b (2) says a player should “carefully check the hole scores entered by the marker and raise any issues with the committee”.
Once the card was in, if the hole score Spieth certified had been higher than his actual score, the higher returned score would have stood and he could have carried on.
Because that returned score was lower – he signed for 3 instead of 4 – he returned a wrong score for a hole and breached Rule 3.3b (3). The penalty for that is disqualification.
Now have your say
Jordan Spieth DQd: What do you think about Jordan Spieth’s disqualification? Is it daft to make professionals sign a scorecard given all the technology that records it? Or should they be subject to the same Rules of Golf you are in your club competitions? Why not let me know with a comment on X.
Steve Carroll
A journalist for 25 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long. A former club captain, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the R&A's prestigious Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar.
Steve has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying, PGA Fourball Championship, English Men's Senior Amateur, and the North of England Amateur Championship. In 2023, he made his international debut as part of the team that refereed England vs Switzerland U16 girls.
A part of NCG's Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap. He currently floats at around 11.
Steve plays at Close House, in Newcastle, and York GC, where he is a member of the club's matches and competitions committee and referees the annual 36-hole scratch York Rose Bowl.
Having studied history at Newcastle University, he became a journalist having passed his NTCJ exams at Darlington College of Technology.
What's in Steve's bag: TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, 3-wood, and hybrids; TaylorMade Stealth 2 irons; TaylorMade Hi-Toe, Ping ChipR, Sik Putter.
