Rory McIlroy described the USGA’s decision-making as “amateur hour.”
Plenty of punters on social media lambasted the United States Golf Association last night during the final round of the US Open.
Irishman Shane Lowry had finished the penultimate round with a four shot lead and went into the final round the favourite – but Dustin Johnson had other ideas.
Things took a turn for the absurd on the Oakmont course, however, when Johnson was informed at the start of the 12th hole that he may or may not be penalised for possibly having caused his ball to move while lining up his putt on the fifth hole – meaning that neither Johnson nor Lowry (nor anybody else for that matter) knew what was needed to actually clinch the Open.
Lowry missed a few putts between this confusing non-announcement and the end of the round, and it’s hard to imagine that his game wasn’t affected by the obscurity brought upon the Open by the USGA’s decision.
Johnson was eventually penalised one stroke, but won in the open anyway since he finished three shots ahead of Lowry.
Many professionals criticised the USGA on Twitter.
This is ridiculous… No penalty whatsoever for DJ. Let the guy play without this crap in his head. Amateur hour from @USGA
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) June 19, 2016
This isn't right for anyone on that golf course. If it was me I wouldn't hit another shot until this farce was rectified.
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) June 19, 2016
It's obviously affecting Shane too https://t.co/KZyyka32Fh
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) June 19, 2016
Take that @usga
— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) June 19, 2016
