Cam Smith's Delayed FedEx St. Jude Championship Penalty Upset Everyone, Especially Bettors
Cam Smith finished the third round of the FedEx St. Jude Championship -11, just two shots out of the lead. By the time the fourth round began, he was -9 after he was given a delayed two-stroke penalty for playing a ball that he dropped on a red line. No one is disputing that this is a violation of the rules, but the fact that it took officials so long to assess the penalty has everyone bothered.
Statement on Cameron Smith ruling at FedEx St. Jude Championship pic.twitter.com/15P5i2FxM3
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) August 14, 2022
Well, maybe not Scottie Scheffler and anyone else bothered by Smith's possible plans to leave the PGA for LIV, but certainly anyone with money on Smith. Certainly anyone who picked him for daily fantasy or bet on him at -11 this morning is rightfully upset with the PGA right now.
Imagine this in other sports? “There was a pass interference in the first half, we just saw it.” “That pitch last inning should’ve been called a strike.” Nobody is arguing the violation — including, apparently, Cam Smith. It’s the timing. Next-day ruling wrong on so many levels.
— Jason Sobel (@JasonSobelTAN) August 14, 2022
Cam Smith docked 2 shots for this rules infraction. Did anyone bet on his matchup yesterday?! Refund!! pic.twitter.com/wkVTnx8RDg
— Brett Hoffman (@BrettHoffmanjr) August 14, 2022
The Cam Smith is one of those just incredible situations where the ruling is right, he owned up to it and just didn't know the rule, it's very much a "nothing to see here" situation where nobody is to blame, but it's *perfectly* suited to fit into a broader conspiracy theory
— Shane Ryan (@ShaneRyanHere) August 14, 2022
Not announcing the Cam Smith penalty before the start of the final round is asinine with regard to its massive impact on the betting and DFS markets.
— Brain Phillips (@HatinAssBrian) August 14, 2022
It is not unreasonable to have a tour official watching the telecast live and identifying potential rules issues that need to be addressed after play concludes *on that day.* That's pretty damn important.
— No Laying Up (@NoLayingUp) August 14, 2022
Smith responded by birdying the first hole to get back to -10, but by the time he finished the third hole he was in a tie for sixth and already facing a three shot deficit.