Viktor Hovland was in the rule book quite a bit during his first round at The Players Championship. His rules fiasco at the 11th hole was highlighted by a late about-face after a video review, but that wasn’t the last time he was caught up in some rules drama on Thursday
After Hovland completed his round, it came to light that the young Norwegian had yet another rules snafu just four holes later on the 15th. Hovland self-reported that he had failed to replace his ball marker after moving it to get out of playing partner Justin Thomas’ line. Instead of moving it back to the original spot, he moved it another putterhead length in the opposite direction.
Because of this, he was assessed a two-stroke penalty under Rule 14.7 for playing from the wrong spot.
Viktor Hovland was assessed a two-stroke penalty under Rule 14.7 for playing a ball from the wrong place.
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) March 11, 2021
Hovland marked his ball on the 15th green, moved it one putter-head length for another player, and then moved it again in the same direction rather than replacing it.
Rule 14.7 states that “after starting a hole you must make each stroke from where your ball comes to rest, except when the Rules require or allow you to play a ball from another place.” It continues by saying that if you “have played from a wrong place but it is not a serious breach, you get the general penalty.”
Given the two-stroke penalty Hovland was assessed, his first round of two-under 70 was adjusted to an even-par 72.
