McIlroy Penalized Two Shots for Improved Lie in Abu Dhabi
By Staff Writer
2 min read
Rory McIlroy walked off the 12th hole at the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship with a double-bogey 6. By the time he reached the scorer's tent, rules officials had reviewed video from the hole and turned it into a quadruple-bogey 8, assessing a two-shot penalty for improving his lie.
What happened on the 12th hole?
McIlroy's approach on the par-4 12th finished over the green at the bottom of a steep slope. His third shot nearly crested the hill before rolling back down and settling in a divot in the rough. Video from the moment showed McIlroy pressing his club down behind the ball to gauge the lie, flattening a patch of grass that did not spring back upright. Officials ruled that under Rule 8.1, which bars players from improving their lie, stance or swing area, and Rule 8.1b, which specifically covers pressing a club down on growing grass.
How did McIlroy respond?
McIlroy told reporters he never realized the infraction had occurred until he was shown the footage. "I play by the rules," he said, adding that he disagreed the contact amounted to improving his lie even after watching the replay. He chose not to contest the ruling further, saying he preferred to avoid any appearance of having gained an advantage.
The penalty erased what had been a strong start. McIlroy made six birdies on the day and reached three-under after a birdie at the 11th, before the 12th hole swung his card the other way.
| Before penalty | After penalty | |
|---|---|---|
| Hole 12 score | Double-bogey 6 | Quadruple-bogey 8 |
| Round 1 total | 68 (-4) | 70 (-2) |
A two-shot penalty on a single hole turned a leaderboard push into a tie for 33rd.
The swing matters in context. McIlroy entered the week trying to close a gap of nearly 1,000 points behind Race to Dubai leader Eugenio Chacarra, with 54 holes left in Abu Dhabi and one more event after it. The penalized round left the two players tied for 33rd after the first day.
Key takeaways
- Rory McIlroy was penalized two shots for improving his lie on the 12th hole in Round 1 of the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship.
- Video review showed his club flattening grass behind the ball on a chip from the rough, a breach of Rule 8.1b.
- The penalty turned a double-bogey 6 into a quadruple-bogey 8, moving his round from 68 to 70.
- McIlroy accepted the penalty despite disputing that he had improved his lie.
- He and Race to Dubai leader Eugenio Chacarra were tied for 33rd after Round 1.
Frequently asked questions
What rule did Rory McIlroy break at the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship?
He was penalized under Rule 8.1b, which prohibits pressing a club down to flatten grass behind the ball, an action that can improve a player's lie.
How many shots was McIlroy penalized?
Two shots, turning his double-bogey 6 on the 12th hole into a quadruple-bogey 8 and his round from 68 to 70.
Did McIlroy agree with the penalty?
He accepted it to avoid any perception of gaining an advantage, but said in his press conference that he did not believe he had improved his lie.
Where does McIlroy stand in the Race to Dubai after Round 1?
He was tied for 33rd alongside leader Eugenio Chacarra, who holds a lead of just under 1,000 points with 54 holes left in Abu Dhabi and one event remaining after it.
- rory mcilroy
- abu dhabi aldar championship
- race to dubai
- rules of golf
- eugenio chacarra
- dp world tour
