Xander Schauffele Gets “Second Opinion” and Overcomes Blocked Shot at WM Phoenix Open

Rules officials play a crucial role in golf and this was evident during the WM Phoenix Open, as Xander Schauffele received a "second opinion" to help him birdie the 13th hole.


Xander Schauffele Gets “Second Opinion” and Overcomes Blocked Shot at WM Phoenix Open

[Credits: Reporter]

During Saturday’s third round of the WM Phoenix Open, Xander Schauffele faced a challenging situation on the par-5 13th hole at TPC Scottsdale. His tee shot had come to rest near a tree, leaving him with no visible path to move the ball forward.

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Despite the obstacle posed by the tree, Schauffele managed to get the green light to play thanks to a “second opinion” from a rules official. This opened up a chance for him to capitalize and make a strong push for victory in the final round.

The scenario started when Schauffele’s tee shot landed close to the trunk of a tree, making it impossible for him to hit the ball in a forward direction. Nevertheless, he perceived that his stance would be obstructed by an animal hole, which could affect his swing, so he requested assistance from a rules official.

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A rules official helps Xander Schauffele birdie the 13th hole during the third round of the WM Phoenix Open

[Credits: Golf]

According to Rule 16.1a of the rules book, “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.” In this case, Schauffele argued that the animal hole was interfering with his intended swing and was granted relief.

With a yard of space to the left of his original ball, Schauffele hit a punch shot that rolled to the back of the green, setting up a two-putt birdie. This move allowed him to cut Scottie Scheffler’s lead to just one shot. However, Schauffele would eventually bogey the 15th and 16th holes, finishing the round with a one-under 71.

The 13th hole at TPC Scottsdale has made its mark in golf history with memorable events such as the time Tiger Woods had to have a boulder moved by a small team in order to play his shot. This hole proved to be a defining moment for Schauffele, who was able to make a birdie after receiving a second opinion,” putting him in a good position heading into the final round.

Schauffele’s birdie on the 13th hole showcased the significance of both a good understanding of the rules and a never-say-die attitude. Initially, Schauffele was turned down for relief by a rules official, but he refused to give up and sought a second opinion, which ultimately allowed him to seize the chance to make the birdie and stay in the running heading into the final round.

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