Genesis Invitational

[BubbaRand]

Matsuyama caused his ball to move by setting his club behind the ball on his third shot at the 17 hole on Sunday. His ball moved 4-5 times during the 2 times he addressed the ball prior to his takeaway for the resultant third shot. The ball moved once when he first set his club behind the ball and then 3-4 times when he set the club behind the ball the second time. He then made the takeaway motion and hit his third shot. There should be at least two penalty strokes charged for this. Why was it not noticed and Matsuyama penalized?

 

[Slab]

I haven't seen the footage but read an article online this morning stating that his ball oscillated and remained in the same position/location, so accordingly it didn't move

'moved' in golf means the ball comes to rest in a different place to where it was (i'm not sure of the actual wording)

 

[rulie]

Matsuyama caused his ball to move by setting his club behind the ball on his third shot at the 17 hole on Sunday. His ball moved 4-5 times during the 2 times he addressed the ball prior to his takeaway for the resultant third shot. The ball moved once when he first set his club behind the ball and then 3-4 times when he set the club behind the ball the second time. He then made the takeaway motion and hit his third shot. There should be at least two penalty strokes charged for this. Why was it not noticed and Matsuyama penalized?

They had the Senior PGA Rules Official on TV. He clarified that the ball did not move, just as Slab has said above. The official, Mark Dusbabek, is in the TV trailer and watches the broadcast(s) from there. The TV announcers refer to him when a question may arise.
If he had caused his ball to move, it would have been one penalty stroke and the ball must be replaced, but, it did not move according to the definition of "moved".

 

[jim8flog]

As others have said it is a case of reading the definition of moved as applied in the rules of golf

In golf moved means it comes to rest in a different place.

The close up video shows that the ball returned to it's original location every time.

 

[AussieKB]

So if I oscillate I don't move.....
Love him and glad he won.

 

[mikejohnchapman]

So if I oscillate I don't move.....
Love him and glad he won.

Seen a lot of people who call that dancing.

 

[IanM]

So if I oscillate I don't move.....
Love him and glad he won.

Yes you do move. But you're not a golf ball

 

[Neilds]

Yes you do move. But you're not a golf ball

He might self identify as a golf ball, don’t prejudge