CONTROVERSY: Dustin Johnson and Kevin Na in CONCESSION argument at WGC
Social media reacts to controversial Kevin Na and Dustin Johnson incident on the 11th hole at the WGC Match Play...
Dustin Johnson and Kevin Na were involved in a brief altercation over a conceded putt on the 11th hole during their group match on Friday at the WGC Match Play at Austin Country Club.
The incident unfolded after Johnson missed his seven-foot putt for birdie and then picked up his ball from 13 inches away. Na, however, was not happy about it as Johnson had not waited for him to concede the putt.
Resting his hand on Johnson's shoulder, Na can then be overheard saying: "Just, just wait, right. I know it's this [short putt] but you still have to wait until I say it's alright."
Johnson's reaction was, well, as expected...
WATCH THE INCIDENT BELOW:
Don't see this often.
Kevin Na and Dustin Johnson having a discussion about conceding a putt at the #DellMatchPlay.
Seems like Na wanted to say the putt was good first, while DJ just picked it up. pic.twitter.com/iXJdZLOzOQ
— Cam Rogers (@MrRogers99) March 26, 2021
Sir Nick Faldo reacted to the incident on the live broadcast by saying: "Hmm. It's the rules..."
Under the rules of golf, a putt is officially classed as being conceded only when your opponent gives you the nod or says it's good to pick up the ball.
"I know it's *this close*, but you still have to wait," Kevin Na making sure DJ listens for his conceded 13-inch putt. pic.twitter.com/1D2MaNpSqG
— Sean Zak (@Sean_Zak) March 26, 2021
Na, despite already being out of the tournament, would have the last laugh in the match as he went on to win 1up after making a birdie on the final hole.
The victory for Na also eliminated World No.1 Johnson from the tournament.
Down goes DJ.
Kevin Na wins 1UP to send the No. 1 seed home. pic.twitter.com/PSPimuWATe
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 26, 2021
Golf fans have been reacting to the altercation, with many for and against Na's words with Johnson.
Can’t believe Kevin Na would call out @DJohnsonPGA at the @DellMatchPlay over that little tiddler he picked up without a concession. No pro would have ever asked another pro to putt one like that. He was technically right, but, man, how not to win friends and influence people.
— John Haynes (@jghaynes) March 26, 2021
You’d think Kevin Na would be a little more understanding of someone walking after a putt, thinking it was good.
— ANTIFAldo (@ANTIFAldo) March 26, 2021
If Kevin Na did that against Poulter in the final Ryder Cup match for the cup, we'd elect him president.
— Monday Q Info (@acaseofthegolf1) March 26, 2021
"I'm on Na’s side here," tweeted one golf fan. "These guys arent newbies, Everyone knows Na is a stickler for the rules, So when you play with a stickler you already know before hand. Some guys dont care, Some do."
"Kevin Na is me talking to my three-year-old son," tweeted another fan.
Fresh off his 82 and fuck it I'll WD at the Players Kevin Na is now lecturing DJ about how to concede 13 inch putts
What an absolute #WGCMatchPlay https://t.co/HpiNkbDUMs
— ByTheMinute Golf (@ByTheMinGolf) March 26, 2021
"Na is 100% right," tweeted one golfer. "What happens when DJ picks up a left to righter from two feet on the 18th. Amateur stuff from DJ. Every competitive golfer knows this."
One golf fan tweeted: "I didn't think I could dislike Kevin Na any more, but then he did this."
"DJ could not care less, what a guy," tweeted another.
"Kevin Na will regret this," said one golf fan.
