Golf fans aren’t happy with Xander Schauffele after an incident occurred during day one of the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow.
A stacked field has descended on Charlotte for what is one of the PGA Tour’s signature events. Furthermore, with the PGA Championship just days away, the Wells Fargo is the last chance for the world’s best to fine-tune their game ahead of the second major of the year.
After day one, a stacked leaderboard has already emerged.
In-form Schauffele leads the way on seven under after carding an excellent 64, with an eye-catching front nine putting the 30-year-old in control.
Collin Morikawa, Alex Noren and Rory McIlroy are T2 on four under. Justin Thomas is one shot back and in a seven-way tie for fifth.
Xander Schauffele causes a stir at Quail Hollow
Schauffele started on the 10th and carded five birdies and one bogey on his first nine holes. An eagle and a birdie followed on his final nine.
However, an incident that occurred on his 17th hole (eighth) caused a stir. A loose tee shot on the par-four saw the American’s ball nestle against a fence.
For the average golfer, an unplayable lie was the apparent outcome, with a bogey ensuing after having to chip out sideways.
However, Schauffele consulted a rules official and managed to secure a line-of-sight drop from the shot link tower positioned in front of him.
From there, he managed to secure an unlikely par. He would also birdie his last hole to end his round on a high.
Golf fans are livid about Xander Schauffele’s drop
The golfing world hasn’t held back online, with many suggesting Schauffele’s awful tee shot deserved to be punished.
One X user, Tate Allen23, reacted to a video of the decision: “Hard to watch, Embarrassing he did that.” Ian Macfarlane added: “This is pure theft PGA Tour and a garbage of a decision.”
Nick Lynk was also fuming with the decision. “PGA Tour is rigged,” he wrote.
Another fan, dazi180turtle, wrote: “Ridiculous decision. Arguing that as a free drop for line of sight would be a stretch even in a practice round.”
Schauffele has used the rules to his advantage in this situation. The abuse aimed his way is perhaps a little strong.
The average club golfer will be rightfully annoyed with this situation, as it’s something that would no doubt be punished at an amateur level.
Directing frustration at the rules instead of the current Wells Fargo leader would perhaps be a better idea.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
