The fine of $ 90,000 – European Tour chief says the penalty of Haotong & # 039; extremely unfair & # 039;

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Li finished third in the Open in 2017

European Chief Executive Keith Pelley has described the penalty that Li Haotong received in the final round of the Dubai Desert Classic as "grossly unfair".

Li has two fined Schoten on the 72nd hole after allegedly drawn up by his caddy on the green.

It dropped the defending champion of a draw for the third to a draw for 12

The fine cost the Chinese world number 44 $ 90.540 (£ 68.754) in prize money.

Although Pelley believes the decision was correct, he is unhappy that referees can not use their discretion.

"Everyone I've talked to about this is of the opinion, as I do, there was no malice or intention of Li Haotong, nor did he get any benefit from the actions of his or her caddy in a fraction of a second ", said Pelley.

"Therefore, the subsequent penalty of two shots was in my opinion very unfair."

Pelley says he has already read y addressed the matter with the governing body of the game

"Let me first say that, under the new rules of Golf issued on January 1, 2019, the decision of our referees was correct, under the strict wording of the rules," he added.

"It is my strong belief, however, that there is no discretion available to our referees in executing statements as they are wrong and must be dealt with immediately.

" I personally have R & R A CEO Martin Slumbers spoke to contradict my opposition to the fact that there is no discretion available to our referees in connection with this ruling, and I will provide additional representation in the R & A in the near future to resolve the issue. discuss. further. "

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