Spieth baffled by slow-play penalty
Jordan Spieth was baffled by the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship organisers' decision to hand him a "monitoring penalty" for slow play during Thursday's first round.
The world number one, playing alongside rival Rory McIlroy and his American compatriot Rickie Fowler, received a warning for taking too long to take a putt on the eighth green, even though the following group of players were still some why from starting the hole.
"It didn't make any sense to me," Spieth told reporters after carding a four-under-par 68 on Thursday.
"The guys behind us hadn't even reached the fairway on a par five."
The rules for this week's event in Abu Dhabi dictate that players must play a shot within 40-50 seconds after they have been told that they are being monitored. A second warning will result in small fine.
Spieth was told on the ninth tee he had received a warning.
"I just made sure it didn't affect my round," Spieth said.
Meanwhile, Spieth was quick to praise McIlroy, after the four-time major winner carded a 66 in his first round.
"That’s the Rory I have seen win majors," the world number one continued.
"It was spectacular. He didn't miss many shots. If he keeps striking like that, I'm going to have to make it up somewhere else. I'm not capable of hitting it as far as he does. I hit it short and crooked."
Latest
-
NewsFrancesco Laporta has the edge as Ryder Cup qualifying battle hots up
European captain Padraig Harrington is facing a major selection headache.
-
NewsLee Westwood questions the structure of Europe’s Ryder Cup qualifying system
Kiradech Aphibarnrat added a 68 to his opening 64 at Wentworth to post a halfway total of 12 under par and lead by one from England’s Laurie Canter.
-
NewsEngland’s Laurie Canter sets halfway target at PGA Championship
Canter carded eight birdies and two bogeys in a second round of 66 to post a halfway total of 11 under par.
-
NewsAdam Scott happy to be back at Wentworth after encouraging opening round
Scott carded eight birdies and a solitary bogey to finish seven under par on Thursday.
-
NewsAdam Scott produces impressive first round on return to Wentworth
The Australian was contesting one of the European Tour’s flagship events for the first time since 2006.
-
NewsBrendan Lawlor pushing to prove Para-golf worth playing at Paris Paralympics
Disability golf was turned down for a place at the 2024 Games but world number one Lawlor still hopes it can be reinstated.
-
NewsShane Lowry aware he might need a Ryder Cup wild card from Padraig Harrington
The former Open champion has a precarious grip on an automatic qualification place.
-
NewsSteve Stricker admits he ‘lost sleep’ over Patrick Reed’s Ryder Cup omission
Reed has revelled in the nickname of “Captain America” since being the leading American points scorer on his 2014 debut.
-
NewsShane Lowry delighted with Open return to Royal Portrush in 2025
The tournament two years ago attracted a crowd of 237,750 throughout the week.
-
NewsOpen to return to Royal Portrush in 2025 following successful hosting in 2019
The event had a popular winner in Irishman Shane Lowry two years ago, and also attracted a crowd of 237,750 throughout the week.