Justin Thomas Demands ‘God Awful’ Rule Be Changed – Same Scenario As DJ At Oakmont.

East Lake, Atlanta, GA …  Potential USA Ryder Cup star Justin Thomas has called for change after being penalised one stroke on day two of the Tour Championship and in a similar scenario to what happened to Dustin Johnson during the final round of this year’s US Open.

And much like Johnson, Thomas played the final seven holes at East Lake totally unaware that he tentatively had been assessed a one-stroke penalty.

There was the sight after his round of being met by the PGA Tour’s Mark Russell before being taken by motorised cart to the TV compound – never a good sign!

The Tour wanted to confirm if Thomas had caused his ball to move at address on the 11th green.

American Justin Thomas calls for change to 'God awful' rule after being slapped with a one stroke penalty. (Photo - PGA Tour)

American Justin Thomas calls for change to ‘God awful’ rule after being slapped with a one stroke penalty. (Photo – PGA Tour)

Thomas, who is being mentioned as a potential Ryder Cup wildcard pick this Sunday night,  had just missed a 10-foot putt for par when he stood back over his ball and started to play his fourth shot.

However he then backed off and called in an official and and then after some discussion the official deemed his ball had moved and it was Thomas’ fault so he was informed to record a ‘6’ instead of a bogey ‘5’.

“The ball was at rest on the putting surface,” said Mark Russell, Vice President of PGA Tour rules and competition. “There were light winds today. It had been at rest for quite some time, and the moment that Justin put his club behind the ball and addressed the ball, the ball moved.

“In that situation, the evidence is against the player and he was penalised.”

Instead of an even-par 70, Thomas signed for 71, but he still is in contention. At 1-under 139, Thomas stands tied for eighth, six strokes behind leader Dustin Johnson

However that was not the end of the matter and with Thomas declaring the rule:  “A God awful rule.

“It’s the same exact thing that happened to D.J. The rule says, if playing on a flat surface, if you put the putter behind the ball and the ball moves, you’re deemed to have moved the ball, which I told them I totally agree with.

“I put the putter behind the ball. One thing, it’s not like it was right behind it. I put it about that far behind the ball because I was kind of getting closer. I looked at the green book, and it’s a 4% grade and it was straight down grain.

“What are the greens, 11, 12? I just have a hard time believing that’s a flat surface, you know what I’m saying? It’s unfortunate just because it’s — like I said, it’s nothing against them.

“It’s just a really bad rule. It has to change. It’s very fortunate it didn’t cost Dustin a major championship. I hope it doesn’t cost me anything. I don’t feel like I did anything wrong. It is what it is, and I’ll get over it.”



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