RULES OF GOLF
Masters 2024: The most memorable rules issues in Masters history
Masters tournament founder Bobby Jones was once credited with saying, “You may as well praise a man for not robbing a bank” after he was lauded for calling a penalty on himself. Problem is, nowadays, competitors aren’t always sure whether they’ve committed an infraction or not. The changes to the Rules of Golf—rewritten to help simplify them in 2019 with another new version introduced at the start of 2023—have left some golfers confused, frustrated and sometimes unwittingly the recipient of an extra stroke or two on the scorecard. That includes the competitors who’ll be playing in the 2024 Masters Tournament.
Indeed, the Masters has had its share of controversy regarding the regulations that govern the sport. Here’s a look at some of the more memorable/questionable rulings in Augusta National history.
RULES OF GOLF
Masters 2024: The most memorable rules issues in Masters history
April 04, 2024

Masters tournament founder Bobby Jones was once credited with saying, “You may as well praise a man for not robbing a bank” after he was lauded for calling a penalty on himself. Problem is, nowadays, competitors aren’t always sure whether they’ve committed an infraction or not. The changes to the Rules of Golf—rewritten to help simplify them in 2019 with another new version introduced at the start of 2023—have left some golfers confused, frustrated and sometimes unwittingly the recipient of an extra stroke or two on the scorecard. That includes the competitors who’ll be playing in the 2024 Masters Tournament.
Indeed, the Masters has had its share of controversy regarding the regulations that govern the sport. Here’s a look at some of the more memorable/questionable rulings in Augusta National history.
Padraig Harrington, 15th hole, second round, 2009
After an opening-round 69, Harrington, the reigning British Open and PGA champion in search of his third consecutive major, told the media, “It all depends how you play the next three days, not necessarily what you’ve done OK the first day.” Those words rang even truer on Friday when the Irishman addressed a three-foot birdie try on the par-5 15th then backed away from the putt—only to watch as his ball moved a couple of feet away from the original spot. As a result Harrington was hit with a one-shot penalty for a ball at rest having moved.
No one wants to penalize a 14-year-old for anything, let alone tag him with an extra shot for slow play at the Masters. Unfortunately for rules official John Paramor, that was the task he was charged with six years ago. According to a report in Golf World, Paramor had spoken to the amateur from China three times during his round and then gave him one last warning as he walked to the 17th tee. “You must try to play faster,” Paramor said. “This is the last time I can speak to you without penalizing you.” Guan asked how long he had to play a shot and when that time began. Paramor informed him that it was 40 seconds and the clock started running when it was his turn to play. On his approach into 17, Guan took 65 seconds, leaving Paramor no choice. Showing class, Guan said he agreed with the penalty, adding, “I respect the decision they make.” The story, fortunately, still had a happy ending. Despite the extra shot, Guan made the cut and got to play the weekend, finishing 58th and as low amateur.
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