Truth & Rumors: New local ruling for 2012 PGA Championship
Bunkers will count as waste areas at Kiawah
Dustin Johnson may do a little victory dance when he hears this news. As Jonathan Wall writes, the PGA of America announced on Wednesday that all sandy areas on The Ocean Course at Kiawah, site of the PGA Championship, will be considered "through the green" and not designated as bunkers.
"With the unique topography of The Ocean Course, natural sandy areas spread throughout the entire property, The PGA of America Rules Committee has determined that all of these areas will be treated alike and played as through the green" PGA of America President Allen Wronowski said. "We believe that by establishing the Condition of Play for the 94th PGA Championship well in advance of the Championship it will help players and spectators prepare for this spectacular Major Championship experience."
In layman's terms, this means that if your ball happens to find the sand, you'll be allowed to move loose impediments, take practice swings and ground your club.
Johnson incurred a two-shot penalty after grounding his club in a bunker on the last hole of the 2010 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. The mistake cost him a spot in the playoff. Hopefully this year there won't be any issues.
Kim Jong-un reveals wife at miniature golf course
North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, visited a recently-finished amusement park in the capital of Pyongyang and was accompanied by his new wife, Ri Sol-ju. The pair began their tour of the park with the miniature golf course.
The setting deemed appropriate since Mr. Kim’s late father, Kim Jong-il, was a big fan of the game of golf. For more on the story, visit The New York Times The Lede blog.
McDowell shows off to girlfriend
After the British Open, Graeme McDowell and his girlfriend, Kristin Stape, took a visit to Celtic Manor -- the site of McDowell's Ryder Cup shot-heard-round-the-world. Randall Mell has more on the story:
“She wanted to see the 16th and 17th holes herself because she had heard so much about them,” McDowell said. “So, we swung down and showed her the scene of the crime. Obviously, it’s a special place and was a special moment in my career.”
In 2010, McDowell sunk a 15-foot birdie putt that helped the European team earn its victory. It was even named the European Tour's Shot of the Year. McDowell is likely to be a part of the Ryder Cup action this year.
Tweet of the Day
Yeah yeah yeah, I know where all the bunker-ish areas are at Kiawah!! Thanks everybody!! #GolfHumor
— Dustin Johnson (@DJohnsonPGA) July 26, 2012
