Golf: Penalty costs Romero first-round lead
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The English pair, Carl Mason and Jonathan Lomas, had the unenviable task of reporting Eduardo Romero for a rules infringement that cost the Argentinian veteran a share of the lead after the opening round of the Italian Open.
Romero accidentally grounded his club while sizing up his line on the 14th green of the Gardagolf course in Brescia, breaking a European Tour regulation that cost him a two-shot forfeit. And although he did not know he had committed the indiscretion, he accepted the English professionals' word and took his penalty.
The tournament director, David Garland, said: "On the 14th green Eduardo walked forward on his line and played a couple of practice swings 10 feet from the cup. His partners noticed he grounded his club, Jon Lomas watching through his legs as he touched his line, although he cannot remember doing so. We had no other proof because the television cameras did not show it, but Eduardo accepted the penalty."
Romero said: "I don't know what happened because I didn't see anything, feel anything. Carl and Jonathan say they both saw it so I accept that. Now I have the determination to win, so no problem. Now I will shoot 66 in the second round."
That left Romero in an eight-way tie for third place, two shots off the lead held by Retief Goosen of South Africa, whose six-under-par 66 left him one ahead of Ian Woosnam. The Welshman's return to a wooden driver worked the trick as he produced a five-birdie 67.
Goosen, who had his maiden European victory in last year's Slaley Hall Challenge, holed a huge 50-footer on the last following an eagle and four birdies as he set the record at Gardagolf, despite suffering from a bout of influenza.
"I felt terrible and I used up a whole toilet roll wiping my nose on the way round," Goosen said. "I guess I felt so ill I just got on with it and I holed some putts."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments