Millard disqualified from US Open after reporting a self-imposed penalty
Sunday 8 June 2014 07:36, UK
Jason Millard has been disqualified from the US Open after reporting a self-imposed penalty for grounding his club in a bunker in sectional qualifying.
Millard, who qualified in Memphis, Tennessee, with two rounds of 68, was playing his third shot on the 18th hole on Colonial Country Club's North Course his 27th hole of the day when the penalty occurred.
"I'm pretty sure I grounded my club in the bunker," Millard said. "I didn't see anything for sure, but I felt something and I saw a small indentation.
“It happened so fast, I really don't know 100 percent, but deep down, I believe I did. I couldn't find peace about it. For five days, I practiced and I couldn't get it off my mind.
“It's heart-breaking, but what I was feeling in my heart didn't feel right. It's the right decision and I am sticking with it."
US Golf Association vice president and chairman of the championship committee, Daniel B. Burton, praised Millard for his honesty but said there was no option but to disqualify him.
"We commend Jason for bringing this matter to our attention," said Burton.
"At this time, we have no recourse but to disqualify him under the Rules of Golf and specifically Rule 34-1b."
