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Rules question What's On Your Mind?
Member 34 posts Dan Member 34 posts
Dan
Hi Ross,
Regarding Phil Mickelson’s fiasco today at the US Open, some folks are saying he broke Rule 14-5, some say he broke Rule 1-2, and others say Rule 33-7. My question is: are the Rules of Golf applied in order of priority? In this case would 1-2 be the most important, followed by 14-5, then 33-7?
Thanks,
Dan
Ross Administrator 659 posts
Ross
I'm not sure Dan.  I didn't hear of any "Hierarchy of Rules" in school or in any of the Rules Seminars I attended.  I think the committee acted correctly giving him a 2 stroke penalty. 

Now, what he did is a different issue.  What about the Spirit of the Game?

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DUPLESSISGOLF
Dan Member 34 posts
Dan
It’s not popular these days to be concerned about issues like etiquette or ethereal things like the spirit of the game. I think you’re right, he broke Rule 14-5 and should get the two stroke penalty. On top of that, I think he was guilty of a serious breach of etiquette and the committee (USGA) should have disqualified him. One reason I like golf is because of that Spirit of the Game paragraph under the Etiquette portion of the Rules. “All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship...irrespective of how competitive they may be.”

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