Sam Burns sparks golf rules debate at RBC Canadian Open – here's why he escaped penalty

Sam Burns escaped penalty scrutiny during the third round of the RBC Canadian Open after a rules incident on the 16th green sparked confusion among viewers and criticism on social media.

The 29-year-old American was seen picking up and moving his ball without first placing a marker behind it, leading some PGA Tour fans to question whether he had breached the Rules of Golf and should have been handed a one-shot penalty.

The incident occurred after Burns missed a 15-foot par putt on the par-4 16th. 

As he prepared to tap in, Burns tapped down a spike mark in front of his ball.

He then noticed his ball had accidentally moved from its original position on the green.

After informing his playing partner Ben James, Burns replaced the ball to its original spot before marking it and holing out for bogey.

Clips of the incident (see below) quickly circulated on social media, with a number of fans incorrectly suggesting Burns had committed a rules violation.

One fan posted: "Sam Burns just picked his ball up with no marker... you need to start stroking guys!!"

As speculation gathered pace online, a PGA Tour rules official joined the broadcast and confirmed Burns would be spoken to after the round to clarify the situation.

However, Burns' actions were fully permitted under the Rules of Golf.

Under USGA Rule 13.1d, players are explicitly absolved of penalties for any accidental movement of a ball or ball-marker on the putting green.

Burns consulted his playing partner before replacing his ball to its previous position and then continued play without penalty.

The situation was all cleared with PGA Tour officials after his round before signing his scorecard. 

"The Video Review team alerted the team onsite that Sam Burns had replaced his ball after it had moved on No. 16 green," a PGA Tour spokesperson confirmed to GolfMagic. 

"A PGA Tour Chief Referee met with Burns following his third round to determine the facts and reviewed the video footage together. 

"Both concluded the procedure he applied was correct. 

"As the movement of the ball was on the putting green was accidental, no penalty was applied."

Watch what happened here: 

Some golf fans may recall a similar situation occurred involving Collin Morikawa during the 2023 Masters.

Burns recovered from the bogey at the 16th with a birdie on the par-5 18th to sign for a one-under-par 69.

The five-time PGA Tour winner heads into the final round at 10-under par, three shots behind leader Jackson Suber as he looks to secure his first victory since the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play in March 2023.