A Player Lost a Match at the Mid-Amateur Because His Caddie Took a Cart Ride

It’s no secret there are a few rules in the game of golf that need a second look—but this story might take the cake.

At this week’s U.S. Mid-Amateur at Troon Country Club in Arizona, Paul Mitzel and Ryan O’Rear had an absurd match during the Round of 64. They both won seven holes during regulation—all but two were won with birdies—and their matching pars at the 18th forced a playoff.

After tying the 19th hole of their dual, the match ended before the 20th could start. Why?

Well, because Mitzel’s caddie accepted a cart ride from the first green, the first playoff hole, to the second tee box, the supposed-to-be second playoff hole.

According to Mitzel, who spoke with Golf Channel after the incident, his caddie was offered a ride by a shuttle driver, who had just driven the players from the 18th to the first to start the playoff and was following along to give rides once the match was over. He also mentioned that players were being shuttled between the 14th and 15th holes, and that O’Rear asked if he could veto the ruling but was denied—a classy move, to say the least.

“The match was incredible. I’ve played a lot of match play, and I’ve never experienced anything like that. … Not sure I’ll ever experience anything like that again. Too bad it had to end that way,” Mitzel said.

He added that his caddie doesn’t deserve any fault.

“I have to think anyone in that situation takes the ride when a shuttle driver asks if they want to hop on really quick and not think anything of it…He’s the man and an awesome friend. I’d do the same thing in his shoes. We were having so much fun, it’s too bad.”

For those of you who are interested, here’s the exact wording of Model Local Rule G-6: “During a round, a player or caddie must not ride on any form of motorized transportation except as authorized or later approved by the committee.”

Just a ridiculous ending to an incredible, back-and-forth match.