Els, who recorded his first win in Australia and his 18th world-wide, was sympathetic but may have saved the New Zealander even more money by cautioning him to get a ruling from tournament officials instead of playing on. It happened at a crucial time for him. Maybe the outcome would have been different. Michael Long didn't win, but did the right thing. In tennis, if you hit the ball on the line, it is in the hands of the umpire.
Golfers take it upon themselves.
They say that golf is a gentleman's game. I did not see the ball move. I guess this proves it. Long said he hit his approach to the front edge of the green and asked Els if the ball was on the putting surface to make sure he could mark it. I told Ernie and he asked me if I was sure.