Brooks Koepka exited the Augusta National course Thursday as the Masters co-leader after shooting a 7-under-par 65.
Koepka's day wasn't quite over, however, Questions had arisen about a moment that occurred on the 15th hole. Koepka's caddie was seen mouthing "five" to someone.
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"Five" apparently referred to the iron Koepka was using for the previous shot. It initially looked as though Ricky Elliott, Koepka's caddie, was mouthing "five" to Brennan Little, the caddie of Gary Woodland, one of Koepka's playing partners. That would be a breach of the rules. But it's also possible Elliott was talking to an on-course announcer who didn't see the shot.
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“Yeah, we looked at it when we got back in," Koepka said of the incident, per Golf Channel Sports. "(Woodland) and (Little) had no idea what we were hitting; they didn't even know because — I know that fact, because (Woodland) asked me what we hit walking off, when we were walking down. So that's all I can give you.”
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Here's a look at what was thought to be the violation:
— Zane Ellis (@StretchZEllis) April 6, 2023
What potential violation was Brooks Koepka questioned about?
Per Masters rules, players and caddies are not allowed to ask each other for advice.
When Elliott was seen apparently mouthing "five," it led some to think he may have been giving or seeking advice from the competition.
The Masters' Rules Committee found no wrongdoing on the part of Koepka or Elliott after interviewing those involved.
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“Following the completion of Brooks Koepka’s round, the Committee questioned his caddie and others in the group about a possible incident on No.15," the committee said in a statement. "All involved were adamant that no advice was given or requested. Consequently, the Committee determined that there was no breach of the Rules.”
That description is vague, but the committee clearly doesn't think Elliott was looking to help Woodland or Little.
Koepka will not be assessed any penalties. He will start Friday at 7 under and tied for the lead with Viktor Hovland and Jon Rahm, just as he finished Thursday.
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