BREAKING NEWS

Joe has been disqualified at the Misters

I was going to send this blog on Sunday, but seeing how it was Easter, I decided to wait until Monday.

Here is the story in Joe’s own words.

On Monday morning (after the Misters) around 2 am, I woke up in a panic.

I quickly moved to my living room and pulled out my scorecard and realized that I had written a 4 on the 17th hole instead of a 5.

At 2:05 am, I knew exactly what happened, I can see it like it was yesterday (well, it was actually the day prior).

My ball had rolled hot across the green and off the other side and I knew it was not going to stop anytime soon. I told Joe T not to look for that ball but he had that smile on his face and I knew I might be in trouble.

As I am getting ready to hit my provisional ball, I hear the dreaded words, “We found your ball”. If any of you have ridden with me before, I rarely look for a lost ball because most of the time you will not be able to hit it that deep in the woods.

I was not a happy camper. As I get to the other side of the green, I realize that Joe T and Adam had not “looked” for my ball but in fact, it was just off the cart part in an awful lie, and for the whole world to see.

As you all know, BJG Rule 6.4 clearly states: “If you find your lost ball, YOU MUST PLAY THAT BALL unless you have hit a provisional ball for a 3rd time.”.

I make better contact with the ball than I would have thought possible, make a great chip exactly where I wanted, finally, but for some reason, it doesn’t roll down to the cup like I thought it would. I make a great putt and I make a Tiger Wood’s fist pump knowing I worked hard for that 4. The problem was it was a 5 because I didn’t count the stroke off the tee…

I changed the score on the scorecard, the handicapping website, the 2023 BJG Excel spreadsheets, and on the 2023 Misters blog post.

Cody and I normally talk at some point during the week to discuss how the previous round went so we can make any adjustments. We finally get a chance to talk late on Wednesday. During that conversation, I tell him about my score issue and that we don’t believe it is the end of the world, and that the correction should be fine.

I originally had a score of 88 and now with the plus 1, it is 89. Chris’s score was 91 so there was no change to the standings.

Once again, I wake up at 2 am wondering if I should be DQ for turning in an incorrect scorecard. I quickly go to my friend “Google” and see that:

Wrong Score For a Hole - If a scorecard is returned with a wrong score for any hole, then one of two things can occur:

1. If the returned score is higher than the actual score, the higher score for the hole stands and the player's position in the competition remains.

2. If however, the returned score for a hole is lower than the actual score then the player is disqualified.

I feel better but not great. Golf has always been about an individual’s integrity with players often calling penalties on themselves, no matter the circumstances.

I needed an official ruling.

At 6:30 am on Thursday, I text Cody asking for an official ruling.

Cody confirms my view of rule 3.3b and we move on with our day. The Blog can finally go out on Friday.

HOWEVER… Cody calls me on Saturday morning after reading (this) the draft blog and he explains to me that he (and I) miss-read Rule 3.3b and that I am now disqualified. I know Cody felt bad about this new ruling, but the rules are the rules and they apply to everyone equally, even the Commissioner, and I am ok with that.

__________________________________________________________________________

As the Commissioner, I sit, in my living room at 9:30 on Saturday morning changing the Misters and Division scores.

L. I. V. Misters Points

Adam – 7

Alex – 4

Dustin – 3

EJ – 2

Joe T – 1

Joe – DQ

L. I. V. Divisional Points

1st Place: Adam – 8

2nd Place: Alex – 7

3rd Place: Dustin – 4

3rd Place: EJ – 4

3rd Place: Joe T – 4

6th Place: Joe - 2

Look, we have all missed counted a score. We are, after all human, but there are a couple of things we should address and think about:

1. Don’t be the guy that has to have his score corrected at the green 2 or 3 times every round.

2. If someone asks what number you are hitting, just answer the question. It is not a secret, and it could save an argument at the green.

3. This is the reason for BJG Rule 15. You must finish every putt and call your score to the group before leaving the putting green. ​

This is so that everyone knows what your score is and if there is any doubt, a quick discussion can be had. If there is a disagreement, just re-count the strokes. If everyone is now in agreement, move on. If everyone is not in agreement see BJG rule 16.

4. BJG Rule 16. Any player who witnesses a violation of the rules must say something as soon as possible so that the violation can be corrected. The alleged violation must be addressed prior to leaving that hole’s green. Any issue(s) or questions can be brought up after the round, in the clubhouse, and directly to the Rules Director.

In other words. Don’t be “that guy”. If there is a noted disagreement, circle the score and let Cody figure it out. That’s Cody’s job. Don’t take it personally. It happens. Don’t let it ruin a round of golf and make everyone more uncomfortable than they need to be.

On the other hand, if you don't say anything after leaving the green, don't complain later.

If you have an issue with something that happened on the course, bring it to Cody after the round. Again, that is Cody’s job.

Please don’t bring these issues to me, I will only deal with the written appeal or talk with Cody and or the Competition Committee if they ask me to.

At the end of the day, competition is good but fair play is better.

Respectfully.

Broken Joe,

Commissioner