Guan shrugs off penalty to make historic cut
Source: Agencies |
April 14, 2013, Sunday
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CHINA'S teenage sensation Guan Tianlang incurred the wrath of Masters officials on Friday, receiving a rare penalty that almost ended his amazing debut in the year's opening major.
Rules officials imposed a one-stroke penalty on the 14-year-old for playing too slowly during his second round at Augusta National, but he survived to make the cut and seal the award for the best amateur player.
With the addition of the rarely-used penalty, Guan signed for a three-over-par 75 and a two-round total of four-over 148, jeopardizing his chances of playing on the weekend.
But when the second round leader, Australia's Jason Day, came in at six-under, Guan made it by a single shot, ensuring he not only became the youngest ever player to qualify for the final two rounds but also guaranteed him the silver cup as the best amateur at this year's Masters.
"I respect the decision they make," Guan said. "This still is a wonderful experience. I enjoyed this week so far and think I did a pretty good job."
Guan, who has become the feel-good story of the 77th Masters, said he was aware of the rule and knew that he was playing slowly, but said he had no choice because the gusting winds at Augusta National made club selection difficult.
"I think my routine is pretty good, it was just the wind switching," he said.
Slow play has been a contentious issue in golf for years but players are rarely penalized. The last time it happened at a major was in 2010 when Gregory Bourdy was docked a stroke at the PGA Championship, according to the PGA Tour.
"There's no question he played slowly at times but he was working things out," American veteran and twice former Masters champion Ben Crenshaw, one of Guan's playing partners, told reporters.
Guan's other playing partner, Italian Matteo Manassero, agreed the young Chinese boy was slow but said he was not bothered by it. "We all feel sorry, but this is the way professional golf goes. This will end up being a great experience for him," Manassero said
Guan began being timed on the 12th hole and was warned for slow play after his second shot on the 13th. He was penalized after his second shot on the 17th exceeded the 40-second limit "by a considerable margin."
Already the youngest player to compete at the Masters, Guan became the youngest player to make the cut at a major. The previous record was held by Manassero, who was just 16 when he made it to the final two rounds at the 2009 British Open. "I made it," Guan said afterward to his 25,000 followers on Sina Weibo. "I hope I can continue to make miracles. Thanks to my parents! Thanks to everyone who has helped me, supported me and cared about me."
Rules officials imposed a one-stroke penalty on the 14-year-old for playing too slowly during his second round at Augusta National, but he survived to make the cut and seal the award for the best amateur player.
With the addition of the rarely-used penalty, Guan signed for a three-over-par 75 and a two-round total of four-over 148, jeopardizing his chances of playing on the weekend.
But when the second round leader, Australia's Jason Day, came in at six-under, Guan made it by a single shot, ensuring he not only became the youngest ever player to qualify for the final two rounds but also guaranteed him the silver cup as the best amateur at this year's Masters.
"I respect the decision they make," Guan said. "This still is a wonderful experience. I enjoyed this week so far and think I did a pretty good job."
Guan, who has become the feel-good story of the 77th Masters, said he was aware of the rule and knew that he was playing slowly, but said he had no choice because the gusting winds at Augusta National made club selection difficult.
"I think my routine is pretty good, it was just the wind switching," he said.
Slow play has been a contentious issue in golf for years but players are rarely penalized. The last time it happened at a major was in 2010 when Gregory Bourdy was docked a stroke at the PGA Championship, according to the PGA Tour.
"There's no question he played slowly at times but he was working things out," American veteran and twice former Masters champion Ben Crenshaw, one of Guan's playing partners, told reporters.
Guan's other playing partner, Italian Matteo Manassero, agreed the young Chinese boy was slow but said he was not bothered by it. "We all feel sorry, but this is the way professional golf goes. This will end up being a great experience for him," Manassero said
Guan began being timed on the 12th hole and was warned for slow play after his second shot on the 13th. He was penalized after his second shot on the 17th exceeded the 40-second limit "by a considerable margin."
Already the youngest player to compete at the Masters, Guan became the youngest player to make the cut at a major. The previous record was held by Manassero, who was just 16 when he made it to the final two rounds at the 2009 British Open. "I made it," Guan said afterward to his 25,000 followers on Sina Weibo. "I hope I can continue to make miracles. Thanks to my parents! Thanks to everyone who has helped me, supported me and cared about me."
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