Golf's Costliest Rules Mistakes

A look at the rules mistakes in golf history that have taken a hefty toll

By Alex Myers and Sam Weinman

Twitter: @AlexMyers3 and @samweinman

As rules "mistakes" go, it's fair to ask whether Morgan Pressel's slow play penalty in the Sybase Match Play Championship even qualifies. Unlike with Roberto de Vicenzo signing an incorrect scorecard at the 1968 Masters, or Dustin Johnson grounding his club in a bunker at the 2010 PGA Championship, Pressel's slow play penalty in her semifinal match against Azahara Munoz was subject to the interpretation of a rules official. Regardless, it was a penalty that proved costly, with Pressel's 3-up lead whittled down to 1-up because her slow time resulted in a loss of a hole. Pressel never recovered, went on to lose the match, and now joins a list of golfers who have seen the rules of golf conspire against them at the most inopportune moments.

-- Sam Weinman

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Morgan Pressel, 2012 Sybase Match Play

After making a par on the 12th hole of her semifinal match, Pressel appeared to take a 3-up lead on Azahara Munoz, but she was informed she would be penalized for slow play. Pressel had taken two minutes and nine seconds to play her three shots on the hole, putting her 39 seconds over the 30-second limit per shot. As a result, the hole was awarded to Munoz, who would go on to win the match and win the tournament.

Chris Trotman/Getty Images