USGA Horror Story Files: Junior Lands Slow Play Penalty On Hole He Aces!

Chuck Stark in the Kitsap Sun reports on Connor Klein of Long Tree, Colorado, playing in the U.S. Junior Amateur, who aced the 170-yard fifth hole, yet has a 2 on his scorecard to show for it. (Thanks OWGR for the link.)

Klein's threesome, which included Alex Church of Timonium, Md., and Andrew Bonner of Ripon, Calif., was warned for slow play. The players were clocked again at the fifth hole and they were all docked a stroke.

The three players appealed to USGA officials. Klein turned out to be the only player penalized, so his score of one became a two.

"It's a birdie," said the USGA's David Staebler, director of the Junior Amateur tournament, shrugging his shoulders.

Staebler said it's the first time he's ever seen that happen in a tournament.

It was the only penalty of the day for slow play.

Now you know I'm all for doing what it takes to speed up play, and I'm sure these kids were not playing quickly, but how is that the only penalty for doing a Ben Crane impersonation goes to a young man on the hole he aces? 

Last I looked, that means he hit one shot on the hole!

Meanwhile if you hadn't had a good dosage of Johnny Miller in tears talking about all that makes America great, check out the USGA posted video of the U.S. Junior Amateur dinner where our bravest aboard the USS Stennis had to host the slow playing Spauldings, their parents and select USGA bluecoats. (Johnny sounding choked up is at the end.)

Or you can read David Shefter's story:

Miller explained how his two USGA victories were pivotal moments to his Hall of Fame career. He drew laughs when recounting stories about Lee Trevino and he even choked up when recalling how much his father had played a role in his development, both on and off the course.

He ended his speech by paying a tribute to the men and women of the Stennis.

“This puts it all in perspective doesn’t it?” he said. “It’s tremendous being on this carrier. Looking at this flight deck, it’s just unbelievable what this stands for. It would be nice if the world didn’t need a carrier, but we do need it to protect our freedoms.”