Controversy has erupted at the Masters with first round co-leader Brooks Koepka involved in what’s been described as an “obvious” rules breach.
The drama occurred after Koepka’s second shot in to the par-five 15th hole, a five-iron that found the green and setup a birdie for the American.
Cameras caught his caddie, Ricky Elliott, mouthing what appeared to be the word “five” in the direction of playing partner Gary Woodland.
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Rule 10.2(a) says a player must not “give advice to anyone in the competition who is playing on the course.”
A player’s caddie is deemed to be an extension of the player. The penalty for a breach of this rule is two strokes.
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The Masters committee spoke to the group at the conclusion of the round, and cleared Koepka and Elliott of any violation.
“All involved were adamant that no advice was given or requested. Consequently, the committee determined there was no breach of the rules,” organisers said in a statement.
Former European Ryder Cup player, now commentator, Paul McGinley told the Golf Channel Koepka should have been penalised.
“It’s very obvious,” he said.
“Anybody looking at those pictures, it’s very obvious what happens.
“It’s staggering that they denied it because the video evidence is there.”
The 2023 Masters Tournament is live on Nine and 9Now from April 7-10.
McGinley added that Elliott’s actions were standard for a caddie.
“Look, I know Ricky very well. He’s a smashing guy. He’s a great guy,” he said.
“This is common practice on tour. Whether you like it or not, it’s common practice.
“It happens in every professional tournament around the world. It’s not always so blatant.”
Koepka, who shares the tournament lead at seven-under, said after his round that the matter was a storm in a teacup.
“Yeah, we looked at it when we got back in,” Koepka said.
“[Gary Woodland and his caddie] had no idea what we were hitting. They didn’t even know because — I know that fact because GW asked me what we hit walking off, when we were walking down.
“So that’s all I can give you.”
Former Australian professional Mark Allen tweeted that there was “no question” of a rules violation.
“I can’t believe it was denied,” he wrote.
“By the letter of the law it’s a two shot penalty.”
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