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
-
European Tour‘Is this where I am going to die?’ Nicolas Colsaerts on kidney disorder battle
The Belgian is the focus of attention this week as he belatedly defends the Cazoo Open de France title he won three years ago.
-
Ryder CupOn this day in 2008: Ryder Cup misery in Louisville for Nick Faldo’s Europe team
Faldo was heavily criticised for his tactics in the closing singles.
-
LIV GolfOpen champion Cameron Smith wins first LIV trophy in just second start
The world number two is the highest-ranked player to join the rebel series.
-
European TourRobert MacIntyre beats Matt Fitzpatrick in play-off to win Italian Open
MacIntyre birdied the first extra hole at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, the venue for next year’s Ryder Cup.
-
European TourMatt Fitzpatrick holds narrow lead ahead of final round at Italian Open
Rory McIlroy and Aaron Rai are one shot off the pace.
-
European TourRory McIlroy picks up the pace to claim lead ahead of Matt Fitzpatrick in Rome
McIlroy’s group looked unlikely to complete their second rounds after taking three hours to play nine holes.
-
NewsMatt Fitzpatrick leads way at Italian Open despite ‘inconsistent’ display
The US Open champion held a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Tom Lewis,
-
European TourRory McIlroy rues a late night until eagle gets him flying in Italian Open
The four-time major winner was only a shot behind leader Matt Fitzpatrick after the first round of the Rome event.
-
European TourRory McIlroy begins Italian Open with superb 67 after recovering from slow start
He kick-started his round by holing out from 115 yards for an eagle on the par-four third.
-
European TourShane Lowry: Golf risks alienating fans with disgusting amount of money involved
The BMW PGA Championship winner insists he was never tempted to join LIV Golf.