Matt Fitzpatrick’s PGA Tour season came to a disappointing and contentious end at the BMW Championship on Sunday.
The English golfer narrowly missed out on a spot in the top 30, which would have secured his place at East Lake for the season-ending Tour Championship.
A combination of equipment malfunction and a controversial ruling by PGA officials played a significant role in his exit.
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Fitzpatrick’s troubles began on the eighth hole at Castle Pines Golf Club in Colorado, where he found himself in a dispute with PGA Tour officials over the condition of his driver.
Fitzpatrick noticed a visible crack on the face of his driver, prompting him to seek permission to switch to a different club head. However, after a thorough inspection by multiple officials, including PGA Tour chief referee Stephen Cox, Fitzpatrick’s request was denied.
Image Credit: X, @NUCLRGLF
“In our assessment, not only with the first official but also a couple of others including myself, that threshold of being significantly damaged hadn’t been significantly met,” Cox explained, according to Golf Digest.
“Although there was a small crack in the face, there was no separation in the metals, and on that basis, that threshold wasn’t met, so his only choice in that case was to continue using that club.”
Frustrated by the decision, Fitzpatrick did not hold back his emotions.
He called the ruling “outrageous” and an “absolute joke,” especially after his drive on the eighth hole hooked sharply to the left and traveled about 50 yards shorter than his usual distance.
Fitzpatrick’s frustration was palpable as he believed the damaged driver significantly impacted his performance.
Image Credit: X, @NUCLRGLF
The ruling not only affected Fitzpatrick’s game on the eighth hole but also had broader implications for his chances of advancing to the Tour Championship.
After starting strong with birdies on the first three holes, Fitzpatrick’s momentum was halted.
He bogeyed the eighth and double-bogeyed the tenth, crucial mistakes that ultimately cost him a top-30 finish.
Adding to the controversy, Kevin Kisner, who was commentating for PGA Tour Live, criticized the ruling.
“I guarantee you he hit that to prove a point,” Kisner remarked, highlighting the frustration many players feel over the interpretation and enforcement of equipment rules.
Despite a valiant effort to recover in the later holes, Fitzpatrick’s fate was sealed. He finished tied for 28th at the BMW Championship and 40th overall on the money list, missing the coveted top 30.
This means he will not be competing in the Tour Championship, where a lucrative prize pool awaits the finalists. The winner of the Tour Championship stands to take home $25 million, while even the last-place finisher earns a significant $550,000.
Image Credit: X, @NUCLRGLF
The incident at Castle Pines brings to light the complex nature of equipment rules in professional golf and the challenges players face when dealing with potentially game-changing decisions.
Fitzpatrick’s experience underscores the fine line officials must walk between enforcing the rules and considering the practical implications for players in high-stakes situations.
Meanwhile, Keegan Bradley, the newly appointed Ryder Cup captain, emerged victorious at the BMW Championship, edging out Ludvig Aberg, Adam Scott, and Sam Burns by one shot.
Bradley’s win secures his place at East Lake and adds another highlight to his impressive season.
As Fitzpatrick reflects on a season that ended in frustration, he and his supporters will undoubtedly continue to question the decision made on the eighth hole.
The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of golf, where even the slightest crack can have monumental consequences.
WATCH THE VIDEO:
🚨😡⛳️ #WATCH: Matt Fitzpatrick and Scottie Scheffler are not happy with a rules official: “This is outrageous, it’s an absolute disgrace.” @MattFitzLegion @SchefflerFans
Do you agree with the ruling?
pic.twitter.com/Qv0c6M03j0— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) August 25, 2024
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Source: https://www.rvmnews.com/2024/08/pga-star-freakin-loses-it-on-official-after-outrageous-ruling-video/
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