Golf Channel · Jan 28, 2019
R&A: New rule 'applied correctly' with Haotong Li penalty
In the wake of a controversial ruling that cost Haotong Li about $100,000 in earnings, the R&A released a statement Monday to confirm that the Rules of Golf were correctly applied at the Dubai Desert Classic.
On Sunday, as Li sized up a short birdie putt on the 72nd hole, his caddie appeared to help with his read and alignment before stepping out of the line as Li built his stance. A rules official determined afterward that Li’s caddie violated Rule 10.2b(4), which restricts a caddie from standing behind the player. The two-shot penalty turned Li’s birdie into a bogey and dropped him from a tie for third into joint 12th.