The R&A Chief Executive says the decision made by European Tour referees to penalise Haotong Li two strokes was correct
Martin Slumbers: 'Haotong Li Penalty Correct'
The Chief Executive of the R&A, golf's governing body outside of the USA and Mexico, has responded to European Tour Chief Executive Keith Pelley's comments, saying that Haotong Li's Dubai Desert Classic penalty was correct.
Li was docked two strokes, dropping him from T3rd to T12th in Dubai, after his caddie was deemed to have stood behind him/lined him up over a putt on the 18th hole.
The ruling has caused widespread criticism, with number of Li's European Tour peers reacting angrily on social media.
The Tour's Chief Executive Keith Pelley released a statement, calling the ruling "grossly unfair" whilst admitting that the decision was correct.
Pelley also said, "It is my strong belief, however, that the fact there is no discretion available to our referees when implementing rulings such as this is wrong and should be addressed immediately."
Martin Slumbers, Chief Executive of The R&A, said the ruling was correct and that there has been some misunderstanding of the new Rule.
“We have reviewed the Li Haotong ruling made by the European Tour referees and agree that it was correct.
"There has been some misunderstanding of the new Rule and I would point out that it is designed to prevent any opportunity for the caddie to stand behind the player as he begins to take his stance.
"Whether the player intends to be lined up is not the issue. We appreciate that it was a very unfortunate situation yesterday and I completely understand Keith Pelley's concerns when a Rules incident occurs at such a key stage of a European Tour event but there is no discretionary element to the Rule precisely so that it is easier to understand and can be applied consistently.
“We are continuing to monitor the impact of the new Rules but I made it clear to Keith that our focus is very much on maintaining the integrity of the Rules for all golfers worldwide.”
Expand Keith Pelley Says Haotong Li Penalty “Grossly Unfair”
Keith Pelley Says Haotong Li Penalty “Grossly Unfair”
In a recent statement, European Tour CEO Pelley…
Expand Haotong Li Penalty Leaves Tour Pros Fuming
Haotong Li Penalty Leaves Tour Pros Fuming
The two-time European Tour winner was penalised two…
Expand Saudi International Leaderboard, Preview, TV Times
Saudi International Leaderboard, Preview, TV Times
Justin Rose, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson and Bryson…
For all the latest golf news, check the Golf Monthly website and follow our social media channels
-
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren On Site As Charlie Woods' School Earns Chance To Defend State TitleCharlie Woods and his The Benjamin School teammates did enough to progress in the Class 1A Region 4 tournament at Miami Shores Country Club on Monday
-
Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship Tee Times: Rounds One And TwoRory McIlroy is closing in on his sixth Race to Dubai title and he's grouped with his two closest challengers in the first two rounds of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
-
Rory McIlroy Gym Routine... Revealed!In this Rory McIlroy Gym Routine article we discover how the Northern Irishman keeps himself so fit
-
What Is Tiger Woods' Net Worth?Tiger Woods became the first billion dollar athlete in 2009
-
The Masters Live Stream: How To Watch The MajorHere are all the details on how you can watch the Major wherever you are in the world.
-
Five Outsiders Who Could Win The MastersWe consider five players who might surprise the favourites and claim victory at Augusta
-
Who Is Tiger Woods’ Girlfriend?Find out more on who the American professional golfer is going out with here.
-
Bermuda Championship Golf Betting Tips 2021Who is the GM Tipster backing to win this week in Bermuda?
-
Jeff Winther Claims Maiden European Tour TitleJeff Winther Claims Maiden European Tour Title
-
Fredrik Andersson Hed Passes Away Following Battle With CancerFredrik Andersson Hed Passes Away Following Battle With Cancer
