Why Was Xander Schauffele Allowed A Free Drop At The Phoenix Open?
During his third round, the American was granted a free drop despite his ball being up against a tree. Here, we explain why
The rules of golf are a funny thing and, in 2023, they received an update. However, during the third round of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Xander Schauffele used the rules to his advantage when his golf ball came to rest just mere inches away from a tree.
Playing the par 5 13th, the American pushed his drive right, with the ball finishing near a tree root. Straight away, many thought his options were to chip backwards but, in true golf professional style, the seven-time PGA Tour winner was looking for free relief. The reason? Well, that was down to Schauffele standing in an animal hole on the upcoming shot.
Originally, the American pleaded his case to one rules official, who denied Schauffele but, after asking for a second official, he was granted the free drop from the burrow near the ball.
“Xander Schauffele had the ball right back up against that palo verde tree, and it was against a root, but he was standing in a burrowing animal hole, so did a whole lot of lobbying with a first rules official and was denied,” stated Trevor Immelman on the broadcast. “Called in a second opinion and not only got relief, and a swing and a shot.”
So, which specific rule was the 29-year-old arguing? Well, animal holes are covered under Rule 16.1a, which explains that: “Interference exists when any one of these is true: The player’s ball touches or is in or on an abnormal course condition; an abnormal course condition physically interferes with the player’s area of intended stance or area of intended swing.”
A post shared by PGA TOUR (@pgatour)
A photo posted by on
After looking at a par at best, Schauffele had manufactured his way into a position with a clear shot to the green from just 200 yards. Speaking with his caddie, he managed to get the ball near the green and, as he rolled in a five footer, the birdie was secured.
On the broadcast, it was clear that Immelman and Frank Nobilo knew Schauffele had gotten away with one, as Nobilo stated: “That’s a massive break… Take anything after that. Second shot being right behind that tree could be looking at five, six.” Immelman, on the other hand, simply said: “My goodness, that is downright robbery."
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.
Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.
Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?
Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°
Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°
Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°
Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°
Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
-
The Incredible Items You Could Buy With The PGA Tour and LIV Golf's Monstrous 2024 Prize Pools
What luxury items would be available if the PGA Tour and LIV Golf's 2024 prize funds were to be re-invested?
By Roderick Easdale Published
-
'We Don't Have Tournaments To Play In If We Don't Have Communities That Think These Tournaments Matter' - Peter Malnati Stresses Importance Of PGA Tour Event Mix
The winner of the Valspar Championship has spoken about the importance of the PGA Tour's traditional events following the emergence of its higher-profile tournaments
By Mike Hall Published
-
Xander Schauffele Issues Spiky Reminder To PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan
Schauffele was particularly outspoken about his lack of trust in the PGA Tour commissioner at his pre-Players Championship press conference
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Xander Schauffele Shares Legitimate Factor In Jordan Spieth Scorecard Mistake And Suggests 'Softening' Of Rules
Spieth was disqualified from the Genesis Invitational due to signing an incorrect scorecard on Friday - but Team USA peer Schauffele said the Texan was "really sick" at the time
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Genesis Scottish Open Live Stream: How To Watch The Action From North Berwick
Rory McIlroy leads by a shot but 16 golfers are within five strokes of the lead
By Roderick Easdale Last updated
-
'He Has A Lot Of Tough Questions To Answer' - Schauffele Says He's Lost Trust In Monahan
Xander Schauffele says he and other PGA Tour players have lost trust in Jay Monahan, who'll have some tough questions to answer when he returns
By Paul Higham Published
-
Final Three Open Spots To Be Decided At Scottish Open
England's Aaron Rai and the likes of Cameron Davis , Keith Mitchell, Alex Smalley, Taylor Montgomery and Mackenzie Hughes need a good week at the Renaissance Club to qualify for the Open
By James Nursey Published
-
5 Big Names To Watch At The Genesis Scottish Open
We look at five TaylorMade staffers in great form ahead of this week's Genesis Scottish Open
By Elliott Heath Published
-
Genesis Scottish Open Prize Money, Payout And Field 2023
Xander Schauffele defends his title with the tournament giving players a chance for some final preparation before The Open
By Ben Fleming Published
-
2023 Ryder Cup Standings & Qualification: How Are Europe & Team USA Shaping Up?
Current European and American Ryder Cup standings & current rankings for qualification for the event in Rome
By Paul Higham Last updated