Golf fans want ‘dumb’ rule changed as PGA Tour star Jordan Spieth disqualified from Genesis Invitational
Jordan Spieth was disqualified from the Genesis Invitational on Friday after signing for an incorrect scorecard.
The PGA Tour star was in contention at the signature event after a five-under-par 66 in the opening round, before fading away with a two-over-par 73 on Friday.
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However, any hopes of success were dashed entirely when Spieth was booted out of the tournament for carding the wrong score.
In a statement on X, the PGA Tour said: "Jordan Spieth has been disqualified from The Genesis Invitational for signing for an incorrect scorecard.
"Spieth signed for a three and made a four on No. 4."
The American, who sits on the Tour's Player Advisory Council, acknowledged his mistake on social media.
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“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," he wrote.
"Rules are rules, and I take full responsibility,”
But not everyone was so accepting of the situation.
England cricket legend and avid golfer Kevin Pietersen led the complaints on social media, insisting disqualification is too harsh for what is essentially an administrative mistake.
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Pietersen said: "Golf in an absolute mess and this happens to one of its stars and player representatives.
"Change the rules!!!!! This is just plain madness!
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"2/3/4 shot penalty, take your pick, but have JORDAN SPIETH still playing!"
Another fan wrote: "The rule is pointless and stupid, especially for tour pros. Every shot is on video and recorded on shotlink, why are they keeping score for themselves at all?"
A third put: "Why do they have scorers walk the course while you play as well as an on course and on TV leaderboard keeping track of your score also? Your job as a player should just be to play, like all other sports. Imagine having to keep your score in basketball or tennis etc. This is dumb."
Others might argue that while Spieth's mistake was an innocent one, the rule is essential to prevent cheating at lower levels of the game.
The three-time major winner's sudden exit comes as another blow to the PGA Tour after tournament host Tiger Woods was forced to withdraw due to illness.
The Genesis Invitational is now without two of its biggest stars heading into the weekend as the PGA Tour fights for attention with LIV Golf.
Ryder Cup star Patrick Cantlay leads the tournament on 13-under-par, five shots clear of the field.
Listen to live coverage of the Genesis Invitational on talkSPORT 2!
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