PGA tweak pro-am rule

Organisers reduce severity of penalty after Furyk disqualification

Last updated: 31st August 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

PGA tweak pro-am rule

Furyk: Disqualified from The Barclays

Also see

The PGA have suspended the rule that caused Jim Furyk to be disqualified from The Barclays after missing his pro-am starting time.

The world number six was late for his pro-am slot the day before the start of the tournament proper in New Jersey because his alarm clock failed.

Rules at the time then prevented him from entering the FedEx Cup play-off event but the punishment will not be as severe for anyone else who makes the same mistake during the remainder of the season.

Now, if a player is late for their pro-am starting time: "Such player will be required to participate in the remainder of the pro-am round and may be required to perform additional sponsor activity," PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said in a statement.

He added: "A player who misses his pro-am obligation in its entirety will still be ruled ineligible for the tournament unless he has been excused in accordance with the provisions of the regulations."

Finchem said the Player Advisory Council and Player Directors have been asked to find if there are alternative measures that can ensure players honour their pro-am obligations without being placed at risk of disqualification.

The issue is set to be discussed at the Policy Board meeting in November.