By Gina Morrone ’14

I’ll admit I’m not really that well versed in the world of golf. It just doesn’t appeal to me. I appreciate the athleticism and the talent, but there’s no way could I sit down and watch Phil Mickleson walk around tournament after tournament.  There isn’t enough happening. I’m glad there are people out there who appreciate the sport enough to not only passively watch golf, but to actively contribute to it, much like there are people out there who actually care about Twilight.

However, I know enough about golf to know that whenever Tiger Woods is involved, there’s sure to be drama.

During last week’s Masters tournament, Tiger Woods bogeyed on the15th hole after his second shot hit the flag and rolled into the water. According to the rules, Tiger was docked a stroke and was then supposed to place the ball from the exact same spot for his third (counting as fourth) shot.  What Tiger did, though, was place the ball two yards further back. Probably so that he could take the same shot but not have the ball roll into the water.  No biggie, right?

Wrong.

Apparently some golf-lover at home called in to the Masters officials, saying Tiger made an illegal drop and ultimately signed an incorrect scorecard.  After deliberation, Tiger was not disqualified, but was sanctioned a two-shot penalty.

To be honest, I find it insane the tournament officials honored this viewer’s observation.  What if every football fan and his mother called in every time there was a controversial call in a game? I’ve said it before: the fans are the media. Are the fans the officials now too?

It’s impressive that a viewer felt passionate enough to call in.  It’s impressive that the Masters took it seriously.  But Tiger has the spotlight on him at all times.  But what if it wasn’t Tiger with the illegal drop? Nobody would have noticed. If tournament officials don’t catch it, it shouldn’t be up to Joe Schmoe on his La-Z-Boy calling it in.