Stadler Finally Has Last Whack At Fateful Tree

Craig Stadler will finally get his revenge on the Torrey Pines Golf Course.

Stadler returns to the course today to cut down the tree that played a part in the most forgettable moment of his PGA career. It occurred during the 1987 PGA tour stop when Stadler was among the third-round leaders.

Stadler’s tee shot on the par-4, 384-yard 14th hole landed by a large tree. As Stadler surveyed the situation, he decided the only way to get the ball around a low-hanging branch was to hit the shot from his knees.

With moisture on the ground, Stadler knelt on a towel so his turquoise-colored pants wouldn’t get soiled. The San Diego native, who grew up playing the course numerous times, hooked the ball around the tree into the fairway.

Stadler finished the round in second place behind George Burns.

But his troubles were just beginning. Before Sunday’s final round, NBC showed third-round highlights, including Stadler kneeling on the towel to hit around the tree.

Within minutes, phone calls poured into the press room complaining that Stadler had violated a PGA rule. Eventually, the calls reached PGA officials, who confirmed Stadler had broken the rule prohibiting “building a stance.”

When he signed his scorecard, PGA officials informed Stadler of the infraction. Because Stadler had not assessed himself a two-stroke penalty, he was disqualified.

The gaffe cost Stadler more than $30,000 and Ryder Cup points.

Earlier this year, it was decided to cut down the infamous tree, which is dying. Course officials asked Stadler if he’d like the chance to take a chain saw to the tree.

Because he will be in Los Angeles for the PGA Championships, Stadler accepted.