[Yoda]

The Ernie Els "piled for removal" ruling of brush 30 yards into the woods was funny. Even more funny was Ernie, hard balling the official to make the ruling, the rules official looked somewhat frightened at what Ernie might do if he had ruled the other way.

This reminds me of a true story from the Nicklaus era.

In those days, many rules 'officials' were not so official at all. For the most part, they were assembled week-to-week from corporate volunteers willing to assume the task. And while it may be unkind to suggest that they were 'pushovers,' just imagine for a moment that you are an IBM employee --Everyman -- suddenly face-to-face with Jack Dad-Gum Nicklaus (asking for a ruling in a PGA TOUR event). It is your worst nightmare, and it is happening to you now and on national TV.



Well, here you go...

The Great Man's ball had missed the fairway and was lying somewhat imbedded in scruffy grass. He called for an official, and to his delight, Everyman appeared.

"I think I should get relief here," said JACK. "It appears to be in Ground under Repair."

"Bummer, Jack, " said Our Hero, "but there are no white lines, and hence, no Ground Under Repair."

"HHrrummhh," grunted The Great Man. "Well, then," said he...

"The ball appears to be imbedded. I should get relief!"

"Hmmm...I don't think so," said Everyman. "The ball does appear to be imbedded, but..."

"We are not playing the imbedded ball rule today."

"I see," said The Great Man. "Well, how about a hole made by a burrowing animal? "

"With all due respect, Mr. Nicklaus, I see no such hole and no such animal."

"Thank you, sir. Just thought I'd ask!"

Then it's KA-BOOM and down the fairway. Just another moment in time. A moment often lost, by the way, in the early rounds and with the television cameras looking elsewhere.

These guys, especially those at the top, are looking justifiably for every advantage they can get. A relief ruling that saves them just one stroke per tournament equals one-quarter stroke per round.

The difference between losing...

And winning.