We usually focus on training or instructional subjects, or topics that will help you better enjoy your golf game, so this brief comment/article is a little stretch, but it may help you better focus on the Rules of Golf.

As with most people watching the Dustin Johnson penalty event at the PGA Championship, my TV view did not allow recognition of the area that he was in as a bunker. And, if you play anywhere along Lake Michigan, there are many fescue areas that are thin on vegetation and heavy on sand!

Regardless of that penalty, I thought he may be subject to a 2-stroke penalty for another reason. He requested and received protection from the elements from the bystanders.  

When there was mention of a penalty I thought he was being called for that reason.

Rule 14-2 states that "In making a stroke, a player must not:

a.  Accept physical assistance or protection from the elements.

During that subject sequence, the sun was shining like a sliver across his ball and he requested someone or some people to block the sunlight from shining on his ball, which someone did.

Correct me if I am wrong, but the action is no different than asking someone to hold up an umbrella to block rain, or a large coat to block the wind.

If the crowd happened to be naturally blocking the sun light, then there would likely be no penalty deserved or incurred. But once he mentioned the element and someone helped reduce or eliminate its presence, and he took the shot under that condition, then a penalty would be appropriate.

If you would like to comment send me an e-mail to let me know what you think about this subject.  I will tabulate responses and provide a summary.

Hit 'm straight.