The Italian Open at Adriatic Golf Club offered a unique challenge for players on the final hole, with hospitality suites positioned just a few feet away from the putting surface. Italy’s Andrea Pavan found himself in a fortunate situation on Saturday during the third round of the tournament. Coming to the final hole at six under, four strokes back, Pavan encountered trouble with his tee shot, landing in the rough. His ball took an unexpected bounce and flew directly over the flagstick, heading towards the hospitality suites. The ball made a loud thud as it hit the suites, narrowly missing the glass panels.
In most cases, a lost ball would require a player to go back and play again with a penalty stroke. However, in Pavan’s case, he and a DP World Tour official determined that his ball likely disappeared within the hospitality area, granting him free relief from a Temporary Immovable Obstruction. This ruling allowed Pavan to drop his ball one club-length from where it entered the hospitality area. His drop ended up being just off the green, where he could putt for an unlikely birdie. The ball rolled into the cup on his last roll, securing him a crucial birdie that moved him to seven under, just three strokes off the lead.
Similar situations have occurred in other tournaments, such as the Sony Open, where players were granted free relief when their ball entered a hospitality area. However, Pavan’s break was particularly advantageous due to the proximity of the grandstand to the green. This stroke of luck could prove to be pivotal for Pavan, as he is aiming for his third DP World Tour title. The 35-year-old had recently regained his DP World Tour status on the Challenge Tour and a victory at the Italian Open could boost his career.
Jack Hirsh, an assistant editor at GOLF, recounted the unusual circumstances that led to Pavan’s fortuitous birdie at the Italian Open. As a native of Pennsylvania, Hirsh has a background in broadcast journalism and political science. He also has experience coaching high school golf teams and competing in local amateur tournaments. Before joining GOLF, Hirsh worked at a TV station in Oregon, where he covered various sports events.
Overall, Pavan’s experience at the Italian Open highlights the unpredictable nature of golf and the importance of rule interpretations in unique situations. The proximity of the hospitality suites to the putting surface presented a challenge for players, but also created opportunities for unexpected outcomes. Pavan’s ability to capitalize on the ruling for free relief ultimately led to a crucial birdie that kept him in contention for the tournament title. As the competition continues, golf fans can expect more exciting moments and surprises on the course.
