Matt Fitzpatrick (and Scottie Scheffler) lose it with PGA Tour rules official over ‘cracked’ driver

Matt Fitzpatrick was visibly upset with a PGA Tour rules official after being denied permission to replace his Titleist driver, which he claimed had a noticeable crack on the face during the final round of the BMW Championship.

Under the USGA’s Model Local Rule G-9, a club can’t be replaced solely due to a crack. Fitzpatrick, 29, argued that the crack affected the club’s performance, but was not allowed to replace it because the damage was not deemed significant under the rule.

Fitzpatrick, clearly frustrated, expressed his displeasure as he walked down the 8th fairway. His playing partner, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, also supported his position.

Fitzpatrick said, “It’s an absolute disgrace,” as he approached the 8th green. After making a bogey on the par-5 hole, he told the rules official he would “make sure something is done after the round because it’s a joke.”

On the 9th tee, Fitzpatrick unscrewed the head of his driver and continued playing with a 3-wood, using only 13 clubs for the rest of the round. Fitzpatrick’s performance suffered, and he is unlikely to qualify for next week’s FedEx Cup finale.

Here’s how the conversation unfolded:

Fitzpatrick: “It’s caved in. There’s an obvious crack there that’s affecting the ball flight.”

Rules Official: “We have said no.”

Fitzpatrick: “So I have to use a 3-wood for the rest of the day? That’s what you’re telling me?”

Rules Official: “I’m going to talk to Steven, the chief referee, and I’ll meet you on the tee.”

Fitzpatrick: “This is outrageous. It’s an absolute disgrace. I’ve just seen a ball do something completely different from the whole morning. It’s so obvious…”

Rules Official: “But that’s not part of the local rule, to be able to change the driver.”

Fitzpatrick: “I understand the rule, but it’s your opinion. It’s opinion, not fact.”

Rules Official: “The local rule says ‘significant damage.'”

Fitzpatrick: “But again, that’s your opinion. The fact is there’s a crack in the driver that’s causing the ball to fly differently. That’s a fact.”

Scheffler: “You can feel the crack. The damage is affecting the club’s performance.”

Fitzpatrick: “You can’t deny that.”
https://x.com/PGATOURLIVE/status/1827764676354249085?t=X1x1fSegO6UPx4_dR_aBjw&s=19
Scheffler: “It’s been damaged throughout the round. That’s the first shot offline he’s hit all day, and it carried about 80 yards shorter.”

Fitzpatrick made a bogey on the hole and was later informed by the rules official that his driver could not be replaced.

Fitzpatrick told the referee, “It’s an absolute joke,” and vowed to address the issue after the round, calling it “the most obvious crack I’ve ever seen.”

Scheffler continued to advocate for Fitzpatrick, but the rules official stood firm, stating, “We’re applying the rule as written.”

The relevant rule, 4.1, states that a player may repair or continue using a damaged club, but cannot replace it if damaged by external factors or someone other than the player themselves.