When it comes to rules, golf can be one of the most complex sports in the world to navigate properly from the amateur game all the way up to the PGA and LIV tours.
Standard rulings, mixed with a number of local rules, can often make things seem confusing and it’s little wonder we see rules officials involved so often at the top level.
Naturally, even those rules officials get questioned and it was only this year that Matt Fitzpatrick labelled one rules official a ‘disgrace’ after he wasn’t allowed to replace his driver.
Of course, that was a rarity but one ruling that is often brought up is the inability for a ball to be moved from divot. It’s one of the big discussion points at all levels of the game, with players simply having to play it as it lies even if it lands in a fresh divot on the fairway.
Indeed, a certain Bryson DeChambeau has suggested a free drop should be given if a ball lands in a divot on the fairway.
However, while you’d assume that might be the stance of all PGA Tour players, Max Homa has a different take on proceedings, albeit not for everyone.
Max Homa gives his verdict on controversial divot rule in golf
American star Homa is often known for engaging with his fans on social media and when he was asked by one avid golf lover if he thought the divot rule needed changing, Homa responded emphatically.
However, while Homa’s response is a different opinion to DeChambeau, Homa did actually go further on this when quizzed on if it should apply to people who are simply not good at the game.
In that sense, Homa suggested things should be different.
“If u are a casual golfer not playing tournaments, and I can’t stress this enough, do whatever u want. This game sucks and is impossible. Just have fun,” Homa commented.
What is the divot rule in golf and do others agree with Homa or DeChambeau?
According to the USGA rules, Rule 8 – Course played as it is found, determines the following:
‘Rule 8.1a(3) prohibits improving. the conditions affecting the stroke. by pressing down, removing or repositioning a divot in a divot hole, which is treated as part of the ground (and not as a loose impediment. Continued)), even if it is not yet attached or growing.’
Despite players falling foul of divots, there are those who simply support getting on with it.
Xander Schauffele has said that players should ‘just hit it‘ if they find themselves in a divot, while Lee Westwood has also suggested things stay as is despite being on the wrong end of a divot at a crucial time.
However, one man who wasn’t happy with the divot ruling in 2024 was DP World Tour star Pablo Larrazabal. The Spaniard found himself in trouble just a few months ago and he took to social media to vent his frustrations at the time.
It seems, then, that golf will never please everyone with this ruling and over the course of a career, every player is likely to get stung at some point.
Put simply, they all know the rules, so it’s just a case of getting on with it.
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