Li penalized 2 shots in Dubai after caddie helps with alignment

Haotong Li became the first high-profile player to run afoul of the new rule that bans a caddie from assisting in lining up a shot.

The defending champion at the Dubai Desert Classic, Li was in position for another high finish when officials determined that Li’s caddie stood on a direct line behind his ball when he took his stance on the 18th green. The two-shot penalty turned his birdie into a bogey, his 71 became a 73, and he dropped from a tie for third into joint 12th.

It’s one of the major changes in the new rules, which went into effect Jan. 1.

The governing bodies decided that the ability to line up a player’s feet and body accurately is a fundamental skill of the game that should be…