Lucas Herbert embroiled in rules controversy as he takes lead at The Open
· Yahoo Sports
Lucas Herbert made Open Championship history, but it wasn’t without some controversy along the way.
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He shot a record-tying front nine score of 28, equalling the record for the lowest opening nine score in Open Championship history.
But on the par-five 14th hole, after Herbert found the fairway bunker with his drive, his caddie did something that could land him in serious trouble with the rules officials.
Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty ImagesLucas Herbert’s caddie uses range finder during day two of The Open
Incredibly, after Herbert played his tee shot on 14, his caddie took out a range finder and aimed it at the ball in the fairway bunker.
This was spotted by Rich Beem, who was commentating on Sky Sports. He said, “Something came to our attention not long ago, after Lucas Herbert hit his caddie, pulled out a range finder, and was looking through it. I guess we are going to take a look at that. I don’t think they are allowed out there.”
His co-commentator, Andrew Coltart, followed up with the rules book in hand, adding, “Coltart: I have the rules out here in front of me on the rules sheet. Rule 10, prohibiting use of distance measuring devices, so we will need to clear something up very shortly.”
The use of distance measuring devices is strictly prohibited at The Open. If a player accidentally or intentionally uses a rangefinder during The Open, they would face a two-shot penalty for the first offense, and disqualification for any further offenses.
So Herbert’s caddie would have to prove he did not use the rangefinder to measure distance.
Coltart continued, “To give you an update, the R&A ensures that batteries are removed so they can only be used as a binocular thing rather than a measuring device.”
This rangefinder was most likely checked by the R&A beforehand, but if not, Herbert could be in some hot water.