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Simpson assessed one-stroke penalty, says intent needs to be in rules

Related Topics: Webb Simpson, player, The Players

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – Closing in on his best round of the week at The Players, Webb Simpson was eyeing his 47-footer for birdie from the fringe of the 14th green when a rules infraction shattered the relative calm.

Simpson explained that his putter accidentally became tangled in his shirt and hit his golf ball, moving it “a quarter of an inch.” An official ruled that Simpson had violated Rule 9.4b (Ball Lifted or Moved by Player) and was assessed a one-stroke penalty which led to a bogey on the hole.

“I'm going to be loud and clear, we have to get intent into the rules.