The topic was still on everyone’s mind a day after the controversial “Turtlegate” took over the first day of The Players Championship.
Jordan Spieth did not speak to the media on Thursday, but he made his position known after the second round and put things into perspective.
“I know it’s just me and Rory, but that conversation probably happened a dozen times yesterday as a group,” Spieth said. “See you later, Victor.” [Hovland] were having a conversation and I just walked up to them. “Hey, let’s make sure everything’s okay…” They probably looked stuck. So I thought maybe I could help too. ”
The incident was caused by McIlroy’s second waterball of the day. What seems to be controversial debate The two PGA Tour players were careful not to jeopardize the four-time major champion’s standing in the event.
After McIlroy’s tee shot on seven fell into the water, it was inconclusive whether the ball hit the top or bottom of the penalty area before going into the drink.
Hovland claimed he thought the ball went into the water further into the tee box, near the turtle.
Discussions between Hovland and McIlroy prompted Spieth’s involvement.
“I just walked in there thinking he dropped it and then he was wondering where I dropped it. I was trying to keep him from hitting it and everyone was fine. ” he said. “I was perfect for the spot he picked.”
McIlroy claimed the ball bounced over that line. He was also “pretty comfortable” deciding where to drop the ball.
“I was listening to a conversation between Rory and Victor, and Rory was saying, ‘He could have crossed over there, he could have come back, so this seems to be somewhere in between.’ That sounds like something you should probably check with the rules guys, but then he did, and it all worked out,” Spieth explained.
The former Texas Longhorn caused some confusion when a television broadcast caught Spieth claiming he heard one of the members say the ball bounced below the red line.
However, players must not use anyone outside to influence their decisions.
“I was surprised where it landed because I didn’t know because I thought it would fall much further away. I couldn’t actually see it, but it was close,” Spieth said. “I thought it was important to be honest about it so that he didn’t. They said it did hit the air, Rory and Harry. So I thought it was important that they said it hit the air. Why don’t you check, in case you get caught?”
McIlroy’s first waterball occurred in the early morning hours of the 18th.
Because of the first case, Spieth was asked if it influenced his and Hovland’s thinking about the Seven.
“Every situation like that is a person’s own problem,” he says. “Those are never the same shots. I think what everyone wants is to put the ball where it’s supposed to go. And in our sport, especially on the golf course like this week and last week, “It’s very difficult to know for sure. Usually you err on the safe side and pick a spot that’s virtually certain to cross, but Rory did that in both cases. I think I chose
In the end, the Northern Irishman settled for a double bogey on No. 7. So the accidental fall didn’t help McIlroy in the end.
However, he finished the first round tied for first at 7 under par. But Friday’s second round was a different story, as he shot a 1-over 73 and entered the weekend eight strokes behind leader Windham Clark.
Spieth, on the other hand, finished at 2 over and missed the cut.
Savannah Lee Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through.For more golf coverage, follow us @_PlayingThrough On all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirls and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.
