PGA Tour pro denied relief, then brilliantly asks for another type

PGA Tour pro Kevin Chappell demonstrated admirably how you can use the rules to your advantage at the Sony Open. 

It just goes to show why you should always ask and make sure you understand the rules of golf, even at the pinnacle of the game. 

So what exactly happened? Well, Chappell was playing in the third round when his third shot at the par-5 ninth ended up in what seemed like a grassless patch. 

He was only 100 yards from the hole and less informed players may have just accepted the unfortunate break and taken their medicine. 

Not Chappell, though. His first attempt to get relief came under Rule 16.1 for ground under repair. That attempt? Swiftly rejected by rules official Ken Tackett.

The conversation was picked up and it appeared Chappell asked the official about the cart tracks. "It's not in the tracks," came Tackett's response. 

Chappell decided to take another stance - where he was under a tree - in a very muddy area. 

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Then what happened?

Just four more words from Chappell. "That's not casusal water?"

Of course, players are entitled to relief under Rule 16.1. 

Chappell took a stance again and the rules official watched from behind. 

Again, he was denied relief. But Chappell was insistent. 

Not giving up 

He asked the official to look from the side. 

And then he had it: success. 

Oh, and another bonus for Chappell: he was allowed to clean his muddy ball runder Rule 14.1c. 

Tackett later apologised for his initial thoughts, saying he wasn't trying to be quick and he didn't see it from the side. 

Chappell eventually hit his shot to about six feet then sank the birdie putt. 

Watch @Kevin_Chappell hole out from 131 yards for eagle on No. 7. #themasters pic.twitter.com/ch0h7U4bLd

— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 8, 2017

Contemplating retirement

Chappell appeared to be down in the doldrums before the Sony Open. 

He revealed he thought about quitting the game. 

Chappell told the media: "If I’m not meant to play this game any longer, that's fine with me. I'm going to put my head down and play the best I can the next five events."

The 35-year-old pro finished the week at 7-under in a tie for 55th. 

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