Sign up for our daily newsletter

Latest news, reviews, analysis and opinion, plus unmissable deals for bunkered subscriptions, events, and our commercial partners.

Add Tiger Woods to the growing list of PGA Tour pros struggling to adjust the new rule for taking a drop.

With the implementation of the new, streamlined Rules of Golf on January 1, players are now required to drop balls from knee height rather than shoulder height, which has led to some confusion.

Turns out, dropping a ball from knee height isn’t quite as straightforward as it sounds.

Earlier this week, French pro Mike Lorenzo-Vera said it “must be a prank”, whilst Bryson DeChambeau described it as “a bit absurd”. Jordan Spieth even admitted that he doesn’t really understand it.

• Self-standing putters – innovating or cheating?

• The very best of Eddie Pepperell on Twitter

• PICS – Heavy snow causes golf course white-out across Scotland

As he prepares to make his first appearance of 2019 at this week’s Farmers Insurance Open, former world No.1 Woods was asked for his take on the new rule and admitted that it “felt really weird”.

“I’ve seen a couple guys do it so far early this year as I watched some golf and they’ve had to re-drop,” said Woods, who admitted he has already tried the new drop once in practice. “Hopefully I won’t be one of those guys that does it.”

Tiger Woods Bunker Shot

Tiger also admitted he could be tempted to take advantage of another new rule, allowing him to putt with the flagstick in – and potentially at The Masters.

• Official 2019 Solheim Cup tartan unveiled

“I’ve been experimenting trying to hit putts downhill at home and see how that feels, and I didn’t find that I hit better putts, it just felt like I could hit it more aggressively, which I did,” he said.

• Monty shares details of unusual new hobby

“It might be more advantageous when we get on faster greens, a little bit

more slope, i.e. Augusta, have that sense of security on a three to four-footer down the hill.”


author headshot

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

More Reads

Image Turnberry green

The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland

Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.

Find Courses