A rarely-used rule at the US Open has left golf icon Jim Furyk stunned, as Rory McIlroy and several other players were impacted by fog delays during the first round at Shinnecock Hills.
Fog Causes Chaos at Shinnecock Hills
The murky conditions led to a two-hour suspension in the morning session of the year's penultimate major, leaving competitors to wait out the delay. McIlroy managed a first-round 69 at one-under par despite the disruption.
When the fog delay was first announced, it was unclear how long it would last. According to the rules, groups already mid-hole are allowed to complete that hole even if a suspension is called.
USGA Clarifies Practice Rules
During the Golf Channel broadcast, USGA Senior Manager of Rules Jay Roberts addressed the weather and rulings. Analyst Tom Abbott asked whether players could practice on the green of the last hole they played during the pause.
Roberts confirmed that practice is acceptable during such intervals and can take place in any practice area on the course. He also clarified that golfers are permitted to practice on the green of the hole they just completed, provided they cannot advance to the next hole.
"Great call, I had no idea," said lead analyst and 2003 US Open champion Jim Furyk. Abbott reassured Furyk that this is a rule many golfers are unaware of.
"In USGA championships they allow you to practice on the previous green during play as long as you don't hold up play," said his Golf Channel colleague. "It's something a lot of players don't know."
Furyk's Revelation
Furyk was genuinely stunned to learn of this rule. Per Rule 5.5b of the USGA handbook, players can practice on the green of the hole they've just completed, provided they haven't played the first stroke of the following hole and are not holding up play.
"I was totally unaware," added Furyk. Practice can also include chipping on or near the putting green of the previous hole, but players are prohibited from practising out of a bunker and must not unreasonably delay play.
Given the significant disruption caused by the fog, such lengthy delays are rare. Nevertheless, Furyk will consider himself better informed after this revelation.
McIlroy's Near Miss
During Thursday's opening round, an errant shot from McIlroy on the fourth hole (his 13th of the day) nearly ended up in the hands of a spectator. However, the USGA issued a statement confirming the woman did not pick up McIlroy's ball or interfere with play, as many had believed.
