Too many clubs at NCAA Championship
In the first round matchup between Georgia and Oklahoma State, Adam Mitchell was 5 up on the 8th hole in his match with Kevin Tway. As he was putting a club away when he noticed an extra wedge in his bag which gave him 15 clubs. As required by Rule 4-4c, he immediately declared the wedge out of play and at the conclusion of the 8th hole had 2 holes deducted from his lead. He then lost the 9th hole to fall back to only 2-up. From there he rallied to win the match 5 and 3.
It wasn’t stated if he had put the club in there between the stroke play and match play portions of the competition or if it had been in there during stroke play. In either case, he could not be retroactively penalized in the stroke play competition as that competition was closed when he teed off in his match as covered by Rule 34-1b
I knew the NCGA had a wide reach, but didn’t think it got to the NCAA.
I was the referee for that match.On a historical note, this was the first match off last Friday morning and was the first match ever played in the 112 year history of the NCAA.Mr. Mitchell was the winner of that match 5+3. It should be noted that Mr. Mitchell played holes 5,6 and 7,considered by many to be the most difficult 3 hole stretch at Inverness, in eagle,birdie,birdie. Some locals told me that they don’t believe that had ever been done before in the history of Inverness.Kevin Tway and Adam were on the par 5 eighth in regulation with birdie putts of less than 15 feet with Kevin being away. Adam called for me and told me he had 15 clubs. We then informed Kevin before he putted. The wedge was declared out of play and I told both players to finish the hole and we would then adjust the status of the match. Both players halved the hole with pars and I announced the result of the hole to the spectators and explained the 2 hole adjustment, Adam now being 3 up. And, the extra wedge was put in the bag overnight. Adam did not carry 15 clubs during the stroke play portion of the Championship.I hope this clears up any misconceptions. Also, it should be noted that Division One NCAA is overseen by a rules team of 20 USGA officials headed by Clyde Luther. We have pretty much the same team every year with maybe a turnover rate of one or two officials.
Peter Pittock, Thanks for catching that. I frequently type NCGA when I mean NCAA.
Pete Blaisdell, Thanks for the first-hand report. It is always good to get the complete story. I know that Clyde has run that for many years and all of you work very hard at it. I hope you like the new format, it seems to be really good to me.
John-
Sorry I have not responded sooner but ,yes, the new format is a home run. Those who disagree just don’t see the big picture or were not at Inverness to feel the electricity in the air on match days.Best NCAA I have been involved with and Ive been doing these since ‘95.