By Joel Beall
The USGA’s had its share of controversies for one lifetime; the last thing it wants is another incident to overshadow an event. So while “U.S. Amateur rules issues” likely makes the governing body — as well as golf fans — wince, it’s an episode marked with integrity and class.
Christopher Crawford was competing at this week’s Amateur, and on pace to qualify out of stroke play into the 64-man match-play tournament. However, during his second round on Tuesday at Bel-Air Country Club, the 23-year-old Crawford heard his caddie use slope when discussing an upcoming shot. This caught Crawford’s attention; while measuring instruments are allowed in amateur tournaments, the slope-reading component is prohibited. Because Crawford’s caddy — a last-second fill-in, according to ESPN’s Bob Harig, after Crawford’s intended looper got sick — had it on for the entire round, he disqualified himself for “multiple uses of a distance-measuring device with the slope feature activated by his caddie.”
“This is the biggest amateur tournament, and it’s a commitment financially,” Crawford told Harig. “To have it end in such a disappointing way is pretty crushing.”
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Ross Kinnaird
However, when asked if anyone would have really known if the device was on, Crawford was steadfast in his decision.
“I didn’t gain an advantage but I know the rules,” he said. “Bobby Jones said you might as well congratulate a man for not robbing a bank in that situation. I knew what the rule was and I didn’t have a choice. I know nobody else would have known. But I knew. I knew what the rules was. It’s just the way it is.”
Though missing out on the Riviera proceedings is a psychological blow, tournament finishes ultimately get lost to history. A player’s character, however, withstands the test of time.
Crawford is contemplating a professional run this fall. Let’s hope karma delivers good vibes in his endeavour.