A nightmare for Paul Azinger's bagman
IN: News | US PGA | Bell Canadian Open (2003) | Round Two | by Bruce Young | 06 Sep 2003
Paul Azinger was finally showing some of his old form at the Bell Canadian Open after what has been a long run of outs. He has certainly played better in recent weeks, but it is more than twelve months since Azinger last recorded a top ten in a USPGA Tour event, that when sixth at the Buick Open in August of 2002.
When he reached three under for the day and three under for the tournament today to be just two shot behind Charles Howell's five under lead, things were looking very good for the 1993 USPGA Champion and twelve time USPGA Tour winner.
On the par three 13th hole in today's second round Azinger's playing partner Fred Funk had missed the green left and was faced with a treacherous downhill swinging pitch shot. He played it beautifully but as Funk's ball trickled down the slope and started slowing Azinger's caddie reached to grab the flagstick from the hole. The ball was clearly not going to hit the flag and Azinger's caddie, no doubt aware that it was his boss's putt next, withdrew the flag stick.
What he hadn't taken into account was that Funk's ball was still moving, albeit very slowly and in moving the flagstick whilst that ball was still in motion he had breached rule 17.2 (b) namely;
"In stroke play, if a fellow-competitor or his caddie attends, removes or holds up the flagstick without the competitor's authority or prior knowledge while the competitor is making a stroke or his ball is in motion, the fellow-competitor shall incur the penalty for breach of this Rule."
As a consequence Azinger was penalised two shots and instead of being just one out of the lead ( he birdied the 17th later before being advised) he was three behind. To his credit Azinger faced the camera just minutes after being advised of the infringement and viewing the incident on videotape.
"My caddy is so upset but I guess there is nothing that can now be done" said Azinger. "I have started to play well of late so I still feel good about my chances and in a roundabout way this may take a little of the heat off."
A great attitude in what was no doubt a time of frustration and disappointment.
