'Controversial Golf Rule'... 'Thomas's Claim of Temporary Fence'

Valspar Championship Day 3 Situation at Hole 1

This is Justin Thomas's (USA, photo) claim regarding a temporary fence.

It happened at the 3rd round, 1st hole (par 5, 560 yards) of the Valspar Championship (total prize money $7.8 million) on the PGA Tour, held last March at Innisbrook Golf Club (par 71, 7,340 yards) in Palm Harbor, Florida, USA. Thomas hit his tee shot near the out of bounds fence. When his ball stopped at the fence marking the course boundary, he questioned, "Isn't this fence temporarily installed for the tournament?"

Course boundary markers indicating OB are not considered obstructions, so even if they interfere with play, no relief is granted. However, fixed structures temporarily installed for the tournament are classified as 'immovable temporary obstructions' and relief can be granted. Thomas was aiming for this point. However, the ruling official's judgment was different. "This fence has marked the course boundary since before the tournament," was the explanation.

Thomas continued play from where his ball lay and showed tremendous concentration to make a birdie. He impressed by shooting 5 under par for three consecutive days in this tournament but missed joining the playoff by one stroke. He finished tied for 3rd place (16 under par, 268 strokes). Sam Burns tied with Davis Riley (both USA) at 17 under par (267 strokes) and secured his second consecutive victory by making a 'winning birdie' in the second playoff hole.

Thomas joined the PGA Tour in 2015 and is a star player with a total of 15 wins, including two major championships. In the 2016/2017 season, he had his best year, sweeping five wins. He won twice at The CJ Cup, sponsored by a Korean company. Thomas has been the leading money winner three times and was crowned the FedEx Cup champion in 2017.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.