Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele expressed their discontent with the PGA of America’s decision to disallow ‘preferred lies’ during play on Thursday. Scheffler articulated his frustration, stating, “It’s one of those deals where it’s frustrating to hit the ball in the middle of the fairway and get mud on it and have no idea where it’s going to go.” He acknowledged the inherent challenges of golf but emphasized the discouragement of losing control over the ball’s trajectory due to a rules decision. Despite the setback, Scheffler managed to maintain his composure and recover well enough to achieve a respectable score.
Schauffele echoed this sentiment, asserting that many professionals are experiencing similar frustrations. He remarked, “It is what it is, and a lot of guys are dealing with it, but it’s just unfortunate to be hitting good shots and to pay them off that way.” He further noted that while the grass conditions were good, the inability to clean the ball in the fairway diminishes the advantage of hitting well-placed shots. Schauffele concluded that this situation creates uncertainty, stating, “It sucks that you’re kind of 50/50 once you hit the fairway.”
The ongoing discussion around the rules highlights the balance between tradition and modern playability in the game of golf. In navigating such challenges, players retain their resilience, showcasing their dedication to the sport. These frustrations also serve to spark conversations about potential adjustments to the rules that could enhance fairness and maintain the spirit of competition.