This Strange Rule DQ’d a TOUR Pro at the World Wide Technology Championship

This strange rule violation disqualified PGA TOUR Pro Emilio Gonzalez at the World Wide Technology Championship in Mexico.

Gonzalez qualified for the event through an exemption and admitted it was a “week of many emotions” as the native of Mexico was playing in his home country.

However, Gonzalez hit a tee shot into a desert area on the par-4 15th hole. He played a provisional, and although his first tee shot was found within the three-minute time limit, he chose to play his second, provisional shot.

This disqualified him.

How?

It was a violation of Rule 18.3a/2, which deals with provisional shots:

“If the player plays the provisional ball and the original ball is then found within the three-minute search time, the player must continue play with the original ball.”

Emilio Gonzalez was disqualified after the second round of the World Wide Technology Championship due to a breach of Rule 18.3. (Provisional Ball).

— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) November 8, 2024

Gonzalez’s decision to play the provisional ball was a violation of the rule and DQ’d him from the tournament.

Tough break.

Cover Image via Golf Digest