[Golf Rules... Knowledge Is Power] If the Putter Is Bent

Kizzire Withdraws from Valspar Championship Round 1 in Bizarre Incident
Kicks and Bends Putter After Missing 15th Hole Putt
No-Penalty Replacement Allowed for Accidental Damage, No Relief for Intentional Damage

Golf has no referees. It is a "gentleman's sport" where golfers play by adhering to the rules themselves. The golf rules are "assistants" created to help with play. If well understood and properly applied, they can greatly aid in score management. These are golf rules that weekend golfers must know.

Patton Kizzire

Patton Kizzire (USA) caused a stir. He walked off after kicking his putter at the Valspar Championship (total prize money $8.7 million) on the PGA Tour. Kizzire, who has three PGA Tour wins, missed a short putt on the 15th hole (par 3) of the first round at the Innisbrook Resort Copperhead Course (par 71, 7,352 yards) in Palm Harbor, Florida, on the 20th (local time), then angrily kicked his putter.

The putter flew nearly 20 meters and landed near the green. The impact bent the shaft in the middle. A broadcast commentator joked, "How about trying out as a kicker in the National Football League (NFL)?" Kizzire took out another club and finished putting. He shot 74, 3 over par, that day but withdrew citing a back injury.

According to golf rules, unintentional damage to a golf club allows for a "no penalty replacement." This applies when the club is damaged by external forces, natural causes, or someone else (excluding the player and caddie). However, if the player intentionally damages or alters the club's performance, as Kizzire did, relief is not granted. Using a modified club as is results in disqualification.