The mistake made by Jordan Spieth concerns the score recorded on his scorecard at the 4th hole. On this par 3, the Texan missed the green and despite a good approach shot, he failed to save par, missing a putt of just over a meter.
However, on the card signed by the three-time Major winner, it wasn't a bogey but a par that was noted.
Jordan Spieth, results
Was it due to inattention or frustration? After a 66 in the first round, Spieth had moved into contention on the front nine.
His back nine didn't go as well, but as he was still in the top 10 at the start of the final hole, he hit a wayward drive to the right on the 18th, resulting in an unfortunate double bogey and a 73 on the card. Clearly frustrated, he hurriedly climbed the stairs towards the clubhouse to go to the recording area.
It's likely that in the rush caused by his frustration, Jordan Spieth didn't properly verify the score recorded by his marker. In a post shared on his social media, he acknowledged his mistake. "Today, I signed for a wrong card and walked away from scoring, believing I had done what was necessary to ensure it was correct.
The rules are the rules and I take full responsibility. I love this tournament and this course as much as any other event on the PGA Tour, so it hurts." Regarding the rules, Note that if Spieth had signed for a wrong score but to his disadvantage, he would not have been disqualified under rule 3.3(b).
Wrong score for a hole on the returned scorecard Inaccurate score on a hole. If you return a scorecard with an inaccurate score on any hole: If your returned score on a hole is higher than your actual score, the higher returned score on the hole stands.
If your returned score on a hole is lower than your actual score or if no score is returned, you are disqualified. The rules of golf are relatively complicated compared to other sports because they are applied outdoors, close to nature and animals.
Respect for the rules is a basic element in the game of golf, which, almost always based on the self-control and free conscience of the players, often sees distorted results, consciously at times, but often unconsciously or through carelessness, due to non-compliance on the part of many players of the game rules.
In addition to rules, golf adheres to a code of conduct, known as etiquette, which generally means playing the round with due respect for the golf course and other players. Etiquette is an essential component of this sport.