Clearing Caddie Renwick In Rory Rules Row

I noticed in the comments here and on other sites, many are understandably perplexed by the Rory McIlroy penalty and the role veteran caddie Dave Renwick played.

Certainly there is good reason to want to know more, since Rory has absolved Renwick (at least publicly) for turning him in. Had a fan phoned this one in, the reaction from all involved might have been different (I'm picturing the tired references to homely people in pajamas phoning in violations from their basements, etc...).

Still, it seems odd to have another caddie spot a violation and not say anything until the 18th green, right?

But once you read James Corrigan's account of how if all unfolded, I think you'll see that Renwick handled it well. The blame lies very much with McIlroy and caddie for not knowing the rule, a situation Corrigan called "remarkable."

The key lines:

Renwick, who was standing 30 yards away, noticed McIlroy’s left foot on the line of the pathway when he played his approach, but did not have time to shout.

Renwick – one of the most experienced caddies in the game, who has worked for the likes of Vijay Singh, José María Olazábal and Lee Westwood – decided nothing would be gained by informing McIlroy of the breach until after the round.

McIlroy was stunned when told and, despite Renwick assuring the officials he was “adamant”, the referees were summoned to check the videotapes.

The coverage was inconclusive, however, and so McIlroy, together with Renwick, and the chief referee, John Paramor, returned by buggy to the second.

As soon as McIlroy saw the divot mark, he conceded his left foot could not have been anywhere else.