Aussie golfer Min Woo Lee's meltdown on the final hole left him visibly upset, with a costly double bogey finish to the third round of the Pebble Beach Pro-Am. This incident sparked a wave of frustration, especially as Lee had been in contention for the lead earlier in the round.
Lee, the 27-year-old Australian, started the day with an eagle on the par 5 14th, but his momentum quickly faded. A series of unfortunate shots, including a wayward drive that landed in a bush and a tricky bunker shot, led to a disappointing finish. He ended the round at 14-under par, sharing seventh place on the leaderboard.
But here's where it gets controversial... Lee's actions on the greens weren't the only ones causing a stir. Tournament leader Akshay Bhatia, who's chasing a $5 million winner's cheque, has been facing criticism for his putting technique. Bhatia, like Australia's Adam Scott, uses a broomstick putter, and some fans have accused him of anchoring, a banned practice.
Bhatia, however, has defended himself, stating that his putter is just two inches short of his chest, which is within the legal limit. This has sparked a debate among golf enthusiasts, with some questioning the interpretation of the rules.
And this is the part most people miss... the weather played a significant role in the tournament. Despite the impressive scores, the conditions were challenging, with strong winds and soft winter ground. Players had to navigate demanding shots, especially on the holes along the coastline.
Collin Morikawa, a two-time major champion, rose to a share of second place with an incredible ten-under par 62, showcasing his ball-striking skills. Morikawa, who started the year with a missed cut, has been working on his mindset with mental coach Rick Sessinghaus.
"It's a small mindset adjustment, but it makes a big difference," Morikawa said. "I'm out here to win, and that's the mindset I need to have from the start."
So, what do you think? Is anchoring a fair practice, or should it be strictly banned? And how much of an impact does the weather have on a golfer's performance? Let's discuss in the comments!
