World No.1 Scheffler Benefits from Crucial Rules Break at Genesis Invitational
Scottie Scheffler received a fortunate break during the second round of the Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines, thanks to a rules situation that worked in his favor.
Playing the par-3 11th hole, Scheffler pulled his tee shot left of the green. The ball struck a cart path and ended up approximately 50 yards long on the 12th tee box, where it came to rest against a water cooler box.
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Due to the "abnormal course condition" (USGA Rule 16.1), Scheffler was entitled to free relief from the water cooler box since it interfered with his stance. After taking his initial free drop, he was then able to take a second placement due to preferred lies being in effect for the round.
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The World No. 1 took full advantage of the fortunate ruling, successfully getting up and down to save par. He went on to card a bogey-free 67, placing him just one shot behind leader Davis Thompson heading into the weekend.
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PGA Tour official Orlando Pope confirmed that all procedures were correctly followed under Rule 16.1, which allows for free relief when an abnormal course condition interferes with a player's stance or swing, or when the ball touches or lies within such a condition.