The PGA Tour is catching flak over its treatment of pro golfer Hideki Matsuyama at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, following an interaction with officials regarding a possible rule infringement earlier in his game.
During his final round at the tournament, Matsuyama was approached by PGA Tour head referee Gary Young while playing the 12th hole, to discuss an earlier incident on the seventh. It was suggested that Matsuyama may have improved his lie as he inadvertently stepped on a pitch mark near his line off the green.
The potential breach in question related to Rule 8.1 under the Rules of Golf concerning 'Player's Actions That Improve Conditions Affecting the Stroke' - which, had Matsuyama stood on the mark in his direct play line, could have incurred a penalty. However, it was confirmed afterward by the official that no transgression had occurred.
Despite the interruption, Matsuyama regained his focus, quickly overcoming a momentary loss of the lead to Viktor Hovland and securing victory with birdies on the final two holes.
Post-clearance of any wrongdoing, the decision to confront Matsuyama mid-round did not sit well with fans, who frowned upon the potential impact it had on his performance.
An aggrieved fan remarked: "Matsuyama has not been the same golfer since the confrontation. If he loses, they stole this from him with racism and bigotry by upsetting his winning game with intimidation. The other golfers had the course to contend with. He had the officials too. Just wrong! Once done.."
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One golf fan expressed their dismay, saying: "The officials confronting Matsuyama, six holes or so after what he had done, only to then not even give him a stroke penalty has clearly affected him big time here, they would never have done the same to Scheffler or Schauffele disgraceful".
The sentiment that the Tour officials overstepped by confronting Matsuyama on the course was echoed by another, who commented: "If what Matsuyama did was not an infraction why did the PGA Tour officials feel the need to talk to him about it? This encounter has clearly rattled him.."
Yet, there were some who supported the PGA Tour's decision to intervene. One individual remarked: "Matsuyama getting away with cheating in the FedEx. Poor call from the officials," while another added: "Not sure how Hideki has gotten away with that one."