Henley Nobly Admits To One-Ball Violation, Laments Excessiveness Of Penalty

This is a tough one, as you have to admire Russell Henley’s honesty and clarity in admitting he spotted a problem signing golf balls for his walking scorer and standard-bearer after a Mayakoba Classic second round 69. Henley detected that he may have violated the one-ball rule. And he was correct.

An 8-stroke penalty ensued after much consultation and while it is a harsh result given his need to make cuts and get much needed dollars/points in his accounts, Henley should take immense pride in turning himself in when he very easily could have ignored the matter.

Frankly, I don’t fully understand how 8-strokes was determined as his penalty, or how Henley thinks there should be a max of 4. Either way, Adam Schupak at Golfweek with the story and Henley’s view that the penalty didn’t fit the crime.

“Do I think eight shots is extreme in this situation? Absolutely,” said Henley, who said he was still processing the unusual circumstances. “I think there should be a max of four. I hope eventually we can have some conversations and change the rule. I came from such an innocent place, you could call it a careless place, and given there was no intent I think it’s a pretty harsh rule. It can be debated both ways and I’m aware of that. It’s unfortunate when you’re playing well and in contention, like I was, to you’re missing the cut. It’s tough to swallow.”

As we know, the Golf Gods work in mysterious ways and Henley will ultimately enjoy a reward for his honesty.