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Rules mix up caused Tony Finau to sign for wrong score in Mexico; ended up with a lower score than he signed for

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The strange stories from last week’s tour stop just keep coming. A misunderstanding during the first round of the WGC-Mexico led Tony Finau to sign for an incorrect score. On this occasion, something we very rarely see happen took place. Instead of the American facing a DQ, his score was adjusted from a 74, down to a 73.

The incident took place on the very first hole of the event, where Finau pulled his opening tee shot, and the ball landed up a tree. The tree, however, was located in a fenced area which had been established as a Temporary Immovable Obstruction (TIO).

The 29-year-old then called for a rules official, and the official, Gary Young, granted Finau a free-drop. Finau, however, was unaware that the area had been a TIO and with Young not informing him that it was such, Finau proceeded to take a drop outside of the area, believing that he would now be playing his third shot next.

Finau eventually signed for a five on the hole, when he had actually made four. The following day, Finau met Young on the grounds of Club de Golf Chapultepec and thanked the official for his help in the matter, and informed him of how he had finished up on the hole. Understanding that there had been a mix up in communication and that Finau had taken a penalty drop as opposed to a free drop, which he was entitled to, Young reported the issue to the Tournament committee.

Speaking to the Associated Press, Young said

“I took it to the committee and they were torn. I felt strongly there should be no penalty based on my miscommunication. We called the USGA, gave them all the details and they agreed it was a committee error.”

Subsequently, Finau’s first-round score was changed from a 74 down to a 73, and the American went on to finish the event T25. Sharing his thoughts on the subject, Finau kept his musings short and sweet, stating, “That’s never happened to me before.”

 

 

 

Gianni is the Managing Editor at GolfWRX. He can be contacted at [email protected]

8 Comments

8 Comments

  1. Henny John

    Mar 1, 2019 at 4:23 am

    Pool him

  2. Travis

    Feb 28, 2019 at 1:22 pm

    Technically shouldn’t there be a penalty applied for signing an incorrect scorecard? Or does that rule only apply when officials want to hurt someone’s score and potentially cost them the tournament? lol

    • Mike

      Mar 1, 2019 at 3:37 am

      You can find the answer in the Rules of Golf. I could tell you what it is but I don’t feel like it as you just wanted to take a stab at rules officials.

  3. CT

    Feb 28, 2019 at 1:13 pm

    I’m not sure what is dumb
    – that the PGA Tour plays on a course with a tree as a TIO
    – that the PGA Tour has to call the USGA to discuss

    Tony F seem to be the least concern on my list

    • Brad

      Feb 28, 2019 at 2:25 pm

      Yep, the dumbest part is the PGA calling the USGA about the rules. The PGA needs to kick the USGA to the curb and create their own rule book like every other pro sports league in the world. It’s time for the USGA to wither on their own twisted vine.

    • Mike

      Mar 1, 2019 at 3:40 am

      I do know it’s rather dumb to claim the tree is a TIO. How did you come up with that? It certainly doesn’t say so in the article.

  4. The dude

    Feb 28, 2019 at 12:54 pm

    Really dumb….

    • B

      Feb 28, 2019 at 1:15 pm

      Naw, just your comment. Comment if you have something worthwhile to say.. I thought it was an interesting story.. don’t hear to often about having to adjust a score down.. Shows how playing with integrity pays off in the end.

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Most birdies without breaking par – GolfWRXers discuss

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In our forums, one user is wondering how many birdies other players have had in a round while still failing to break par. @Lalan45, unfortunately, asked the question after a unique experience of their own.

They wrote:

“Today I managed 8 birdies but still shot even par, could have been a round to remember! What’s the most birdies you’ve made in a round and still didn’t break par?”

Our members in the forum shared their own experiences with successful rounds that still resulted in a score over par. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

  • kwcsports: “I’ve had 5 a few times, still shot 80+ haha.”
  • jda: “I played a course for the first time, had 8 birdies, 9 doubles and an eagle. The infamous no-par round. I kept the scorecard. Every shot had a creek that I did not know about, or I was within 8-10 feet for a birdie look. To this day, I have no idea if I should be really jacked up or mad about that performance.”
  • jvincent: “I think my record is either 5 or 6. Probably shot 75.”
  • Instron4204: “3 birdies and shot a 92…man I suck!”

Entire Thread: “Most Birdies Without Breaking Par.”

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Best current stock shaft 2026 – GolfWRXers discuss

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In our forums, one user is asking for thoughts on the best stock shafts offered in 2026. Stock shafts are the shafts included with a club when it’s purchased from retailers or OEMs.

@DTorres asked:

The last couple years has seen a lot of updates and additions to no upcharge stock shafts, which do you think is the best offering in 2026?

Im a bit of a shaft nerd and recently during my Members Testing with the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond I found the updated Project X Denali Frost Black to be a fantastic stock shaft. I absolutely did not mesh well with the original Denali. Just curious what other people think are the current best Stock shaft offerings out with new models and stock Ventus options and LinQ options popping up here and there.

We were given the option for any stock shafts for our members review. I went with the 70g Black Frost 6.5 because it’s a shaft I don’t have, it’s an updated version of the original Denali and hear little about. I typically use a Diamana WB, GD VF or a HOF Raptor. I’m not saying it was neck and neck with any of those but it was a pleasant surprise I’m not accustomed to in stock shaft offerings.

Our members in the forum have been offering up their own thoughts on the best stock shafts available in 2026. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

  • rsballer10: “IMO – MCA Ka’ili White Darkwave, Tensei 1k Black/white, UST Lin-Q White. People are free to spend their money however they see fit, but for me personally the shaft catalogs these days have enough options that I don’t see the value of a $400 upcharge. I have never had a problem finding a no upcharge shaft that fits the bend profile and weight that I need. Whether the paint job is good enough or not is above my pay scale.”
  • bcflyguy1: “Project X Titan Black. I’ve had one in 60TX in my Quantum TD Max for several weeks now. Have to give Titlieist their flowers for finding a way to make it available as a featured option; very shrewd bit of business and one that I suspect will be duplicated by the other companies. TT/PX have a certified banger on their hands with Titan.”
  • CTG77: “Undoubtedly, it’s the Tensei 1K RIP shafts from Titleist. The Tensei line gives about 98% of the performance of a Ventus VeloCore+ shaft at a tiny fraction of the cost if you’re looking for a blue or red profile. The white is not an exact match for Ventus Black, but it’s closer to it than the non-VeloCore+ Ventus shafts that come from Callaway or formerly came from TaylorMade.”

Entire Thread: “Best current stock shaft 2026.”

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GolfWRX’s Father’s Day Gift Guide (2026)

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A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.

As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.

Let’s get to the gifts.

Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo

We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.

Buy here.

STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover

If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.

Buy here.

Why Golf: Putting Thing

When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.

Buy here.

OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes

Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!

Buy here.

Therabody Theragun Relief

A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down. 

Buy here.

World Cup golf apparel

Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.

Buy here.

FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes

Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.

Buy here.

Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker

Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.

Buy here.

Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls

The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!

Buy here.

 

  • GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.

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