USGA takes heat for delay in Johnson's rule decision

By Mark Lamport-Stokes OAKMONT, Pennsylvania (Reuters) - Sunday's farcical finish at the U.S. Open, where the victory margin for champion Dustin Johnson was uncertain until a review by rules officials, left tournament organizers in the crosshairs of condemnation. Whether or not the United States Golf Association (USGA) made the right call in docking Johnson a stroke after his ball moved fractionally on the fifth green, the governing body has been widely slammed for not taking action as soon as possible. The USGA's decision to put Johnson under notice while informing every other player about his possible one-stroke penalty, led to a chaotic conclusion at Oakmont Country Club with no initial clarity about the champion's final score.

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