Zach Johnson appeared headed for a weekend tee time at the Masters, barely. The 2007 Masters champion had struggled on a windy day on Friday -- the whole field struggled, really -- but he thought he had done just well enough with a 6-over 78 to make the cut.
So why didn't he?
After the round, Augusta National officials alerted Johnson to a potential violation of the Rules of Golf on the 13th hole. Johnson's third shot to the par 5 wound up in the water hazard in front of the green, and the reigning Open champion chose to play his ball out of the hazard. However, in his backswing, he grazed the water, which is considered grounding the club in a hazard under Rule 13-4. Johnson was subject to a two-stroke penalty.
Johnson agreed, added two strokes and signed for an 80. Instead of making the cut on the number, he missed by two shots.
The Sea Island, Ga., resident reacted on Twitter:
Unfortunate circumstances. Viewing slow video replay, the rules staff, my caddy Damon, and I ALL agreed it was HIGHLY likely I had touched
— Zach Johnson (@ZachJohnsonPGA) April 9, 2016
water on the takeaway of my backswing. Impossible 4 me see in action below my club face, but easier to see on HD video replay. Hard to take.
— Zach Johnson (@ZachJohnsonPGA) April 9, 2016
BUT, I (nor anyone for that matter) could not rest easy knowing I might have had a rules infraction. I'm thankful for the rules staff in
— Zach Johnson (@ZachJohnsonPGA) April 9, 2016
helping me sign for the proper score, even though it stings. Of course, the MANY bogies before the 13th could have lessened the sting. Ample
— Zach Johnson (@ZachJohnsonPGA) April 9, 2016
opportunities 2 make cut and/or get back in contention. Rules are rules. No advantage given but it's a game of integrity. Augusta won today.
— Zach Johnson (@ZachJohnsonPGA) April 9, 2016
