Zach Johnson is definitely very clumsy. Already the author of an astonishing blow inadvertently at the start of the 13th Augusta National during the 2019 edition of the Masters, the Texan did it again on Friday in Phoenix, Arizona. Fortunately for him, the rule provides no penalty for this type of thoughtlessness.
When he hit his ball by mistake on a try shot at Augusta in 2019 (see youtube video below) Zach Johnson was immediately reassured by his fellow competitors who told him that as there was no intention to hit the ball he incurred no penalty.
Rule 6.2
(5) Ball Not Live Until Stroke Is Made. Whether the ball is elevated or on the ground when starting a hole or replaying from the teeing ground under one rule:
The ball is not in play until the player makes a stroke, and
The ball may be lifted or moved without penalty before the stroke is made.
If an elevated ball falls off the tee or if the player knocks it off the tee before making a stroke, the ball may be elevated again anywhere in the teeing ground, without penalty.
Friday the stunned double winner of majors repeated his blunder at the start of the 17th of TPC Scottsdale during the 2e tour du WM Phoenix Open. Of course this time he knew the rule perfectly and even managed to birdie!
Walk of shame. ???? pic.twitter.com/x5wDOlAblI
— PGA TOUR LIVE (@PGATOURLIVE) February 11, 2022
