JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Once the final scores were tallied and it was clear that a playoff would be required to determine a winner, Brooks Downing asked a question that rarely crosses the lips of tournament directors.
“So,” Downing wondered aloud, “do we have to stop any play?”
Moments later, the two remaining combatants and a handful of officials headed back to the 18th tee at Hidden Hills Golf Club, wedging in behind a foursome of members that had teed off just four minutes after the tournament’s final group and were eager to complete their round.
Welcome to the latest stop in pro golf purgatory, a place where players from all walks and status can gather to stay sharp until their next meaningful start.