Graeme McDowell has slammed Augusta officials in singling out 14-year old Chinese amateur Tianlang Guan for a one-stroke slow play penalty on day two of the Masters.
Guan created history in becoming the youngest-ever player to tee up in the Masters and then after his five amateur colleagues missed the cut, he was assured of the ‘Low Amateur’ award
But now he’s joined the history books becoming the first player in nearly three years for being penalized in a Major for slow play.
After being firstly advised by European Tour Chief Referee, John Paramour he would out of position on the 10th hole, Guan walked off the 17th hole with a par only to be advised by Paramour to add a penalty stroke to his scorecard.
Tianlang Guan – system unfair says McDowell to single out the 14-year olf for slow play penalty.
Guan ended his two rounds mid-afternoon at four over par but it wasn’t till just before 8pm local time the Chinese teenager was assured of playing all four rounds and thus receive the ‘Low Amateur’ Award as the only amateur among six to make the cut in the 77th Masters.
But while Guan accepted the referee’s decision with all the dignity of a player 20-years his senior, McDowell believes officials have sent out the wrong message to Guan’s fellow teenager golfers around the world.
“The system is flawed and how can you warn anyone for slow play when it took us two hours to play the first five holes through no fault of our own,” said McDowell.
“Then when Augusta jumps up and bites you and you’re out of position, and then all of a sudden you have to go on the clock.
“I mean a group goes on the clock all because one guy has a bad hole, so do the other guys then go on the clock, as well.
“I don’t like the system as it’s not speeding up the game, and we’re out here for five to six hours and it’s hurting the spectators, and it’s not a fun sport to watch when it’s this slow and this difficult.
“Augusta National is a phenomenal and the ultimate test of golf and it’s going to take a while.
“But to then make an example of a young 14-year old it’s not fair. There are plenty of seasoned pros out here who need a good rocket to get them moving faster.
“We are playing for a lot of rewards out there this week and it’s serious stuff and it’s very hard to be speed up your pre-shot routine.
“Then he’s probably only doing what he’s seen on TV but as I said, we don’t need to be making an example of him.
“It’s sending the wrong message out to the world.
“But it’s now just phenomenal he’s made the cut and that’s a bit special given he was handed a one-stroke penalty.”
The last played to be penalised for slow play in a Major was Frenchman Gregory Bourdy with two holes to play on the final day of the 2010 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits.
