Rule Explanation: Why Did Aberg Catch a Bad Break After Striking Morikawa’s Ball?

We saw a rare occurrence on the eighth hole at The Renaissance Club during Thursday’s first round of the Genesis Scottish Open.

Ludvig Aberg, who was cruising along at -2 at that point, hit his second shot on the par-4 with hopes of another birdie in mind.

So that’s why Aberg was confused when he saw the ball surprisingly travel in a different direction after landing on the blind green.

It turns out there was a collision on the putting surface.

How unlucky is that? 🤯

Ludvig Aberg catches a terrible break after his ball lands on his playing partner’s and ricochets off the green. #GenesisScottishOpen pic.twitter.com/jS3kXHsoyO

— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) July 11, 2024

Aberg’s ball landed directly on top of Collin Morikawa’s, sending both careening off the green. However, due to rule 9.6, only Aberg caught a bad break. 

A unique shot explained.

Rule 9.6 | Ball lifted or moved by outside influence

If it is known or virtually certain that an outside influence (including another player in stroke play or another ball) lifter or moved a player’s ball at rest:

• There is no penalty
• The ball… pic.twitter.com/xEUwAQrK2L

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 11, 2024

The rule states that the ball that was struck must be replaced in its original spot. 

So Aberg was the only one who had to play it where it lied, and instead of a birdie putt, he had to go up and down to save par, which he did not. But the Swede was unfazed, finishing with a 6-under 64 in the opening round and was the leader after shooting another 64 on Friday.

Aberg said:

“Once those things happen, I can’t do anything about it. All I try to do is just make good swings, and I did.”

As for Morikawa, he birdied the hole and sits in fifth place after 36 holes.

Cover Image via Golf Magazine