Good Job USGA

​Well, the USGA managed to add more drama to the final round of the US Open…albeit unnecessary drama.  As if a crowded leaderboard full of players looking for their first major championship victory wasn’t enough, they had to place a cloud over the back nine for all competitors with the ‘well, maybe it was a penalty’ on Dustin Johnson’s 5th hole.
 
To review, as Dustin Johnson was preparing to address his putt on the 5th green, his ball moved slightly.  He spoke to his playing partner Lee Westwood and the walking rules official with his group and it was deemed that Johnson did not cause the ball to move, which means he just plays the ball from the new spot and there is no penalty.
 
Fast forward about an hour and a half and all of sudden, the USGA informs Johnson that his situation on the 5th green will be under review….after the round!  Are you kidding me? 
 
First, the USGA rules official with the group spoke with Johnson and made the ruling on the spot that it was deemed Johnson did not cause the ball to move.  Lee Westwood agreed with the ruling.  At major championships, there is a rules official walking with each group so player do not have to wait for rulings during the course of play.  Next…if there was a question as to if Johnson caused the ball to move, aren’t there enough officials hanging around (like those who went with earlier groups in the day) that some could go to Fox Sports and look at the video to see if he did cause the ball to move.  I understand you may want the player there to discuss, but it would be better for everyone involved (Johnson and the field) if you could bring some resolution…now that you have doubts about the original ruling your official made? 
 
The USGA totally mishandled the situation.  As I write this, it hasn’t been determined if it was a penalty…but the Rules Officials totally botched the handling of this ruling and it affected everyone playing on Sunday afternoon.  It is our national championship and the players, fans and the tournament deserve better from the people running the event.