New rules in golf spark debate

(ANSA) - Rome, February 8 - The new rules of golf, effective since January 1 this year, have sparked a debate.
    First, China's Haotong Li was given a two-stroke penalty on the last hole of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic (European Tour), which cost the defending champion the third place and roughly 100,000 euros due to the position of his caddie behind him as he was preparing for his birdie putt on the 18th green at the Emirates Club. New rules ban caddies from standing behind players as they are preparing to hit a shot or when they take their swings.
    Then there was a penalty, subsequently annulled, for US player Danny McCarthy at the Waste Management Phoenix Open (PGA Tour), also over the position of his caddie.
    In addition, Spanish player Sergio Garcia was disqualified from the European Tour's Saudi International. Tour officials said the Spaniard had committed "serious misconduct" during the third round at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club.
    He was reportedly accused by other golfers behind him of purposely hitting his putter into the greens during the round on a handful of holes, damaging the putting surfaces.
    Some players asked that he be disqualified from upcoming tournaments but the European Tour did not approve further sanctions.
    Garcia apologize for the incident.
    Just over a month since they its implementation, the new code is already wavering.
    The new rules of the USGA and R & A have sparked a controversy with top players protesting against them, from Lee Westwood to Justin Thomas.
    Many champions have requested quick changes, especially to protect their caddies.
    In particular, rule "10.2b (4)", which prohibits caddies from standing behind players once they have taken position to hit a shot, is the first that should be reviewed, according to leading golfers.