It has been an interesting day, one filled with many questions about how we planned to enforce the mando on hole 12. Although Steve at the PDGA confirmed that our prior handling of the updated mando ...
show more ›
It has been an interesting day, one filled with many questions about how we planned to enforce the mando on hole 12. Although Steve at the PDGA confirmed that our prior handling of the updated mando rule was valid, the conversation left me with questions. You see, this rule has recently been updated, and the language and terms of enforcement lead to TD discretion as to how to call it. Making the cage restricted space is ok, but obviously less popular. After long discussions with our TD crew we have decided two things. One, that having a mando now is a headache that I would advise avoiding if you plan to TD. Two, the fact that the PDGA is allowing TD's to determine the restricted space means that you will see this rule enforced differently in every event you play.
We are changing the penalty for hitting the cage. You will no longer lose a stroke for cage hits and you will not have to go to the drop zone if you hit the cage and bounce backward toward the tee pad. It will not change too much since the mando pole is skinny and round, but consider now that the cage sits right in front of the restricted space, so it is possible to hit the mando and either bounce through or bounce back and be able to try a second time to go through the mando.
We will discuss this at the player meeting, so be present and ask the questions you have to make sure we all understand.
I guess you are welcome is in order since this issue has caused everyone to familiarize themselves with this rule change. See you tomorrow.
-Eric Stachnick
The caddy book is updated, it was sent in an email, and it is updated on the tournament website