Did the USGA make a bad ruling in the US Open?
 

Well, time to open this one up. I think they did. And it took 2 of them to do it! Sam Burns was smart to ask for a second opinion but it did no good.

Obvious water was moved during his practice swings. But, when he took his stance no water was seen. His ball was in 1 1/2 inches of primary rough sitting up. Did anyone put a tee in the ground around the ball to see if there was a water level? Did anyone stand near the ball and see if it was squishy. Not sure but his ball was sitting atop grass that was water logged underneath as displayed by his shot.

So if you don't know the rules, don't feel so bad as the rules makers can make mistakes as well, more costly.

I think it was a bad call. what do you think?:Screen_of_Death:

What happened with the shot?

To clarify, it looks like the ball is in the fairway, not in the rough.

Rough
 

Ball in first rough cut

splash
 

splash happens ball curves left uncharacteristically

Tough break for Burns but who are we to say that the two rules officials were wrong. It’s water over the dam now. Fore.

According to Golf.com and AI, the ball was in the fairway. Also, the videos seem to indicate the same.

The ruling was a judgement call and he got two opinions. I was satisfied with the ruling.

Thanks
 

Ball was in fairway.........still don't agree with the call..splash,splash, officials should have done a tee test of area.............

I'm surprised the USGA didn't do an emergency post on TOTV, just to make sure they were making the right call.

The Rule requires "standing water" ... not "squishy ground".

"Temporary Water

Any temporary accumulation of water on the surface of the ground (such as puddles from rain or irrigation or an overflow from a body of water) that:

Is not in a penalty area, and

Can be seen before or after the player takes a stance (without pressing down excessively with his or her feet).

It is not enough for the ground to be merely wet, muddy or soft or for the water to be momentarily visible as the player steps on the ground; an accumulation of water must remain present either before or after the stance is taken."

While I felt badly for Sam Burns, his play on other holes took him out of contention. JJ Spaun sunk an incredible putt on the last hole to win. After his terrible start for the day, what a great way to win!

For the record, Spaun made a long putt on the last hole to win by 2 strokes, so he didn't really need to make the putt. Burns lost by 5 strokes, and he was 8 over par on last round.

Not talking about stance
 

intended line of swing.......area around the ball if stepped on would have raised water
have to judge both ends......obviously they didn't around the ball

you could see the splash after he hit.........will send email address for TOTV to USGA for the next time

Bad break for Sam, right call.

Although I belong to 18 country clubs here in Florida I don’t have my own caddy to rub my balls or have rules officials come out when I ask for clarification to better my ball position due to course conditions, I’ll put any prejudices against professional players on TV aside. I think Sam had to endure two bad calls by the officials.
And I’m sorry he got his feet wet.

Squishyness doesn't count, unless your making sushi. You need to see it to believe it.