🟩 1. The Shot That Sparked the Controversy
Subtitle: A Perfect Approach Turns Costly
During the second round of the 2013 Masters, Tiger Woods, then world No. 1, was tied for the lead at five-under-par. On the par-5 15th hole, he executed a precise approach shot from 87 yards. Unfortunately, the ball struck the flagstick and ricocheted into the water hazard, forcing Woods to take a penalty drop.
🟩 2. The Improper Drop
Subtitle: A Small Mistake with Big Implications
Instead of dropping the ball as close as possible to the original spot, as required by the rules, Woods dropped it two yards behind. He later admitted this in a post-round interview, saying, “I played it two yards back.” This admission inadvertently highlighted a rules violation.
🟩 3. The Phone Call That Changed Everything
Subtitle: A Viewer’s Observation Sparks Action
Former PGA Tour rules official David Eger, watching the tournament on television, noticed the improper drop. Concerned about the potential for disqualification due to an incorrect scorecard, he contacted Augusta National officials to report the issue.
🟩 4. Augusta’s Response
Subtitle: Navigating the Rules and Fairness
Initially, Augusta National’s chief rules official, Fred Ridley, decided there was no wrongdoing and did not question Woods. However, after reviewing Woods’ comments and growing media scrutiny, the rules committee reassessed the situation. They determined a rules breach had occurred.
🟩 5. The Penalty and Its Aftermath
Subtitle: Avoiding Disqualification, Facing Penalty
On Saturday morning, Woods was informed of the two-stroke penalty, adjusting his score on the 15th hole from a bogey 6 to a triple-bogey 8. This decision was made under Rule 33-7, which allows for discretion when a player is unaware of a rules infraction at the time of signing the scorecard.
🟩 6. The Tournament Outcome
Subtitle: A Missed Opportunity
Despite the setback, Woods continued to compete and ultimately finished tied for fourth place, four strokes behind the winner, Adam Scott. The incident marked a significant moment in Woods’ career, which was already challenged by injuries, and he would not claim his 15th major until six years later.
