Aussie pro Anthony Quayle overcomes seven-shot penalty to nearly win event

Anthony Quayle produced a remarkable result last week when he finished third in the Victorian PGA Championship in Australia, two shots behind Cory Crawford.

What made it so impressive was spotting the field seven shots for one big mistake.

According to Golf Australia, preferred lies were allowed on a portion of the third fairway on the Open course at Moonah Links. This came to light when his playing partner, Tyler McCumber, asked Quayle if preferred lies were in effect. He told him they were, and that prompted Quayle to take another look at the document handed out to players before the round.

That’s when he realized it applied to only one area on one hole.

“It’s a massive rookie error on my part,” said Quayle, who primarily plays the Japan Golf Tour. “I had just assumed, on this tour we play preferred lies a lot. I’m kicking myself now.”

Quayle said he felt sick to his stomach and immediately called an official to go over his round. He was docked seven shots because he lifted, cleaned and placed his golf ball on four holes. On one of the drops, he put the ball back in the same place, resulting in only a one-shot penalty.

His 66 turned into a 73, and he fought back to at least have a chance on Sunday. McCumber also was penalized two shots for his violation. He finished one shot behind Crawford.

“I’m sure when I reflect on this in a little bit of time, I’ll be really proud of this week,” Quayle said.