What Happened at the PGA? A Rule That’s Split the Field
Cameron Smith didn’t just miss a putt at the 2026 PGA Championship — he nearly broke a rule that could cost you a stroke. According to reports from Golf Monthly, Smith touched the sand in a bunker while measuring his relief area. The move didn’t come during a swing. It happened while he was standing back, club in hand, trying to judge the correct drop zone. So what does that mean? The rulebook says: no touching the sand during a measurement. But here’s the kicker — the rule doesn’t clearly define what “touching” means. Not even close.
Smith’s moment came on the 14th hole at Philadelphia Country Club. He was in the rough, just off the green, and the ball was in a bunker. He took a stance, dropped his club to measure, and the head sank into the sand. He didn’t swing. Didn’t push. Just placed it down. But the moment the club touched the sand — the rules say it’s a penalty. At least, that’s what the rulebook claims.
Here’s the real question: Why does this matter? Because every golfer — from weekend warrior to Tour pro — has done this. You’re standing there, trying to figure out where to drop. You hold the club. You tap the sand. It’s instinct. But now, the rule says you’re not allowed. So what’s the penalty? And more importantly — should you even be penalized?
Rules, Reality, and the Fine Line of “Touching”
Let’s get one thing straight. The Rules of Golf, as set by the R&A and USGA, state in Rule 13.2 (a) that you must not touch the ground in the hazard with your club during a measurement. That’s clear enough. But the definition of “touching” is where it gets messy.
According to Golf Monthly, the issue isn’t whether the club made contact — it’s whether that contact counts as a penalty. In the case of Cameron Smith, the club head did press into the sand. But it wasn’t a swing. It wasn’t a practice stroke. It was a measurement. Still, the rule doesn’t make a distinction between intent or force. So if your club touches the sand — even for a second — you’re in violation.
And that’s where the frustration sets in. You’re not trying to cheat. You’re not trying to gain an advantage. You’re just trying to figure out where to drop. But the rule says: no touching. Ever. Not even with the head of your putter. Not even if you’re just tapping the sand to test the firmness.
Think about it. How many times have you done this? You’re standing there, club in hand, and you tap the sand with your putter to feel the grain. You’re not trying to move the sand. You’re not trying to influence the ball. But the rule says: that’s a penalty. So what’s the penalty? One stroke. For a tap. For a moment. For a measurement.
Why This Rule Is Breaking Golfers — And the Game
Cameron Smith didn’t make a big deal of it. He didn’t complain. But the incident is a symptom of a deeper problem: the rules aren’t written for how we actually play. They’re written for how we’re supposed to play — and that’s not the same thing.
Consider this: the PGA Championship was a tough week for Smith. He finished just off the lead, a few strokes behind the winner. He’s been open about his recent coach change — a decision he called “one of the most difficult phone calls I’ve ever had to make” (per Golf Monthly). So now, he’s facing a penalty for a move that millions of golfers have made — without even realizing it.
And that’s the issue. The rule isn’t just unclear. It’s impractical. You’re not allowed to touch the sand in a bunker during a measurement. But how do you measure without touching? You can’t. You have to place the club down. You have to feel the ground. Otherwise, you can’t judge distance. You can’t judge slope. You can’t judge where the ball will land.
So what’s the solution? One option is to use a measuring device — like a rangefinder or a drop stick. But those aren’t always allowed. And even if they are, they don’t give you the same feedback as your club. You can’t feel the grain. You can’t test the firmness. You can’t get a real sense of the lie.
Here’s the kicker: the rule doesn’t say you can’t touch the sand. It says you can’t touch it *with your club* during a measurement. But what if you’re using a stick? What if you’re using a ruler? The rule doesn’t cover that. It only covers the club. So if you’re using a device, you’re fine. But if you’re using your own club — you’re not.
The Real Impact: What This Means for Your Game
You might think this is just a Tour-level issue. But it’s not. It’s a club-level problem. Every time you’re in a bunker and you’re trying to measure your relief, you’re at risk of a penalty — even if you don’t mean to be.
Think about your last round. How many times did you place your club in the sand to check the distance? Maybe you were just testing the grain. Maybe you were just making sure you were in the right spot. But if you touched the sand — even briefly — you broke the rule.
And that’s the problem. The rule isn’t designed for real-world play. It’s designed for theory. But golf isn’t theory. It’s feel. It’s touch. It’s instinct. You don’t swing when you’re measuring. But you do tap. You do test. You do check.
So what should you do? The answer is simple: stop using your club to measure. Use a device. A stick. A rangefinder. Anything that doesn’t involve your club touching the sand. It’s not ideal. It’s not natural. But it’s the only way to stay safe.
And here’s the brutal truth: if you’re not careful, you could lose a stroke — or more — without even knowing it. That’s not just unfair. It’s dangerous to the game.
What’s Next? The Rule That Needs a Fix
Cameron Smith didn’t demand a rule change. He didn’t fire back. But the incident is a wake-up call. The rules aren’t working. They’re not clear. They’re not practical.
And that’s why this matters. Because if the rules don’t reflect how we actually play — then they’re not rules. They’re obstacles.
So what’s next? The R&A and USGA need to revisit Rule 13.2 (a). They need to clarify what “touching” means. They need to allow for measurement tools that don’t involve the club. Otherwise, every golfer — from the pro to the 20-handicapper — is at risk of a penalty for a move that’s second nature.
And that’s not just unfair. It’s stupid.
Key Takeaways
- Cameron Smith touched the sand in a bunker while measuring his relief — a move that could be a penalty under Rule 13.2 (a).
- The rule does not define “touching,” creating confusion for players at all levels.
- Using your club to measure is risky — even a light tap can result in a penalty.
- Players should use measuring devices instead of their clubs to avoid penalties.
FAQ
Q: Can I use my club to measure my relief area in a bunker?
A: Technically, no. Rule 13.2 (a) prohibits touching the sand in a hazard with your club during measurement. Even a light tap counts as a penalty.
Q: What if I use a rangefinder or stick instead?
A: That’s allowed. As long as your club doesn’t touch the sand, you’re safe. Using a device is the best way to avoid a penalty.
Q: Is this rule common in tournaments?
A: Yes. This rule applies in all official competitions, including the PGA Championship. Players are expected to follow it — even if it’s not practical.
