Mike's Blog - RBC Canadian Open Day 3

A strange RBC Canadian Open got even stranger today when I had an extra stroke added to my score. Yesterday, I had a situation on the 18th hole where just before my second shot, the ball moved. I had placed it on the edge of a divot to get a nice lie - we're playing lift, clean and place -- and as I was getting ready to hit, the ball fell into the divot. I was unsure of whether I had caused the ball to move or if I'd grounded my club, and I called an official. Originally, I was given a one-shot penalty but later in the scoring trailer, after reviewing the video, we determined that there was no penalty so I signed for a birdie.

Then today, after the horn blew, the Tour officials told me they wanted to review the case again. We went back and looked at it once more and this time they were trying to determine if perhaps my waggle or some movement had caused my ball to move - it falls into the divot a couple of seconds after my waggle. I was really unsure and while it may sound strange, because of that, I was assessed a penalty. So essentially, my birdie from yesterday became a par today.
Now normally when you sign for a lower score, you are disqualified, but because this was a mistake made by the local committee, I was merely assessed the one shot.

Before all this happened, I was out on the golf course, trying to finish up my third round. I have to say I wasn't too unhappy when the horn went off as I wasn't feeling all that comfortable with my game. I did make a nice birdie on the first hole and then I had an ace on the fourth hole, but I'm glad I'll have a chance to regroup and come out Monday with a fresh start.

That ace, by the way, was my second on the PGA Tour and my 10th overall. For the record, I hit a four-iron.

The big story, of course, is the weather. I don't think I've ever experienced anything like this before at a Tour event.
The course is really soggy - I was joking to some friends that you don't read the grain on your putts, you read the current!

What's really is tough stopping and starting and waiting around. I think the staff in the clubhouse are working 24-7, certainly the chefs are, being asked to cook up a lot of meals because it seems that all we do is eat during these delays.

I know this is frustrating for the players but I'm sure it's even more so for the fans who come out hoping to see some golf only to have to scramble around to stay dry. Also, I'm sure the organizers and all the volunteers are disappointed with this, having put in so much work and time and effort. I'm really hopeful that on Monday we can get to 72 holes and give a good finish to this great tournament.

As always, thanks for your support.
Mike