[Golf Topic] Hovland vs Burger "Clash Over Drop Location"

Victor Hovland (left) and Daniel Berger are disputing the drop location on the 16th hole during the final day of 'The Players Championship,' known as the 'fifth major.' Ponte Vedra Beach, USA = Getty Images / Multivits

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] ○… Viktor Hovland (Norway) and Daniel Berger (USA) reportedly had a dispute over the drop location….

On the 15th (Korean time), at the final day 16th hole (par 5) of The Players Championship (total prize money $20 million), known as the '5th Major' of the PGA Tour, held at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida (par 72, 7,256 yards), the issue began with Berger's second shot of his '2-on attempt' landing in the water. When Berger went up to the front of the green to drop, his playing partners Hovland and Joel Dahmen (USA) objected, saying, "The reference line is further to the right."

Berger then snapped back, "I've never dropped in the wrong spot in my life." The three players' argument was vividly captured on TV. The rules official eventually decided on a new drop location, judging that "both sides were wrong." The new spot was farther from the green than Berger's original drop location but closer than the spot Hovland suggested. Hovland explained, "It wasn't a pleasant conversation, but it was necessary."

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