Brooks Koepka put LIV Golf back in the headlines thanks to a controversial play at the Houston event being played beginning this Friday, June 7. The play involved a possible rules violation by Koepka.
Koepka found himself on the fourth hole at the Golf Club of Houston, situated on one of the slopes near the green. Despite the appearance of his ball being motionless, the five-time major champion opted to lift and reposition it multiple times.
🚨#PLACEGATE — What are your thoughts on this situation involving Brooks Koepka’s ball pic.twitter.com/QLrlnDZvbw
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) June 7, 2024
Fans have responded overwhelmingly to this situation, with the majority expressing their disappointment towards LIV Golf for their inadequate enforcement of the rules.
The X (formerly Twitter) account ‘Flushing It’, which covers world golf, posted the following:
“This drop from Brooks Koepka doesn’t add up to me. That ball looked in play several times but he kept picking it up and then when [Patrick] Reed came over he immediately accepted a stationary ball.”
This drop from Brooks Koepka doesn’t add up to me. That ball looked in play several times but he kept picking it up and then when Reed came over he immediately accepted a stationary ball. I wouldn’t be too happy if my opponent did that in the Club Championship that’s for sure! pic.twitter.com/JKm5lIxGdw
— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) June 7, 2024
Another user posted the following:
“I dont recall seeing pro golfers pick up and drop repeatedly like this.”
I dont recall seeing pro golfers pick up and drop repeatedly like this.
— Queens Fort (@Bellyhungry) June 7, 2024
Let’s take a look at other reactions on X:
“Don’t play real golf so why follow the rules,” one fan posted.
“Exhibition. Might as well be able to kick out of the trees / long stuff like when I play with my friends,” another user wrote.
“Its ok. Only exhibition golf. Nothing at stake,” another fan posted.
Brooks Koepka recorded two birdies and one bogey in the opening round of LIV Golf Houston. Currently tied for 29th place with six holes remaining to play.
What does the rule say about Brooks Koepka’s play?
The principles governing the game of golf emphasize the importance of playing the ball as it lies. Rule No. 9, jointly established by the R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA), encompasses all aspects pertaining to this matter.
This rule encompasses various scenarios where the ball may be relocated from its original position, but its core objective is to discourage lifting the ball. In fact, the act of lifting and repositioning the ball is considered an ‘exception’.
The exceptions are diverse, but some pertain to the green and are unrelated to Brooks Koepka’s situation. Among the exceptions considered for the remainder of the course, there is one that permits the player to relocate their ball if it has been moved by natural causes after taking a drop.
In such a scenario, the exception grants the player the ability to place the ball back on the spot where it was initially dropped. However, it emphasizes that the ball is considered in play only when it is at rest, meaning completely motionless. Once it reaches that state, it must not be lifted anymore and must be played.
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