Daniel Kang "Coach's Advice During Match"..."Overtime is OK~"

In Stroke Play Tournaments, Golf Club Changes Are Allowed, but in Match Play They Are 'Rule Violations'

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Overtime is OK."

Daniel Kang (USA, photo) made headlines by calling his coach Butch Harmon before the sudden death playoff against Jessica Korda (USA) on the final day of the 2021 LPGA Tour season opener, the Diamond Resort Tournament (total prize money $1.2 million). He explained, "I felt my swing was unstable, so I called Harmon and received appropriate advice." The key issue is whether this violates golf rules. Players are not allowed to consult anyone other than their caddies.

It is interesting that Golfweek USA reported on the 28th (Korean time) that "Katherine Belanger, Vice Chair of the USGA Rules Education Committee, considers the playoff as a new round." The interpretation is that "in stroke play tournaments, even club changes are allowed before sudden death." However, in match play, the playoff is considered a continuation of the match. Both coach advice and club changes are rule violations in that case.

Daniel Kang started the final 4th round at the Four Seasons Golf Club in Lake Buena Vista, Florida (par 71) with a 2-stroke lead but faltered with a 3-under par, allowing Korda to catch up at a tie (24-under par 260). Kang missed a 5.5m birdie putt on the first sudden death hole at the 18th hole (par 3) and settled for 2nd place. Korda sank an impressive 9m winning birdie putt. Her sister, Nelly Korda, finished 3rd (22-under par 262).