If you’re a big golf fan or even harbor dreams of playing on the PGA one day, it’s important to get to know all the relevant terminology. While the sport has numerous terms, each serving different purposes, one commonly heard phrase in golf today is “WD,” which stands for withdrawal. But what does WD mean in golf exactly?
WD, or withdrawal, refers to the situation where a player decides to leave a tournament midway. This typically occurs due to personal concerns or issues related to the competition itself. No matter why a player decides to withdraw from a tournament, it’s usually seen as a bad sign and might indicate possible issues down the line for that player.
When Can Players Withdraw From A Tournament?
Players have the option to withdraw either before a tournament or during its course.
In most tours, players can withdraw for any reason prior to the commitment deadline, usually set on the Friday before the tournament commences.
After the commitment deadline or during a tournament, the PGA Tour Handbook specifies that a player may only withdraw due to “injury or other disability requiring medical attention, or serious personal emergency.” In such cases, players must provide written evidence supporting their withdrawal.
What Leads Players To Withdraw (WD) From Golf Tournaments?
Here are some common reasons that may prompt a player to withdraw from an event:
Medical Injury
Injuries are a frequently cited reason for withdrawal among players. Just think of Tiger Woods and his back problems during tournaments, where you may recall seeing him in visible pain. Sometimes, players may experience ankle or wrist issues that make it nearly impossible to continue playing. You don’t often see medical withdrawals, but when they do happen it’s usually quite serious.
Similar situations occur in other sports, like when football or hockey players are carried off the field for medical purposes. If a player is carrying an injury, they must be careful not to wreck their whole season by making it worse. Even though, often, they want to continue.
Illness
Illness is another factor that can compel golfers to stop playing. It can be challenging to perform well in golf while feeling unwell. If you have a fever or a stomach infection, navigating the golf course can be difficult. Golf requires physical movement, and exceptional performance relies on strong mental focus.
When you’re feeling unwell, these aspects become arduous tasks. Consequently, any players who test positive for an illness should withdraw from the tournament.
Problems With Golf Game
Occasionally, golfers may consider withdrawing from an event due to issues with their game. A golfer might struggle, consistently hitting their shots to the left, which is a major concern. However, the PGA Tour explicitly states that this is not an acceptable justification for withdrawal. Spectators often attend events to watch specific players, and event organizers even promote the presence of certain individuals.
If a golfer starts their first round poorly, for example with a triple bogey, and then decides to withdraw from the competition, it reflects poorly on their reputation. Players must overcome challenges related to their golf skills, as that is the fair way to participate in a tournament. Sometimes, golfers may perform well initially and then withdraw from the competition, raising questions among fans and fellow golfers about whether the player is genuinely unwell or simply struggling with their game.
Family Emergency
A family emergency is another significant reason why you may see a player leaving a tournament prematurely. There have been times when players have withdrawn for horrible reasons, such as a death in the family. But also for miraculous reasons, such as the birth of their child. Despite our admiration for these professional golfers, they are ordinary individuals with regular lives.
They too encounter personal issues that require the same attention as anyone else. Occasionally, PGA Tour golfers need to withdraw from a competition to attend to personal matters, much like taking a day off from work. Once again, the PGA Tour recognizes this as a valid reason for exiting an event or competition.
Do golfers who withdraw from a tournament or event receive any rewards?
Players who withdraw from a golf competition do not receive any rewards. All participants who complete the full event receive their share of the prize money after the final round. This is one of the main reasons why a golfer withdrawing is actually pretty rare. There is an awful lot of money at stake if they don’t complete the competition.
You can certainly try to complete the tournament even if you have a minor illness or injury. However, there are instances when the illness or injury is severe enough that you must bid farewell to the tournament.
Other common abbreviations in golf
What Does DNS Mean In Golf?
DNS stands for Did Not Start. This abbreviation is used when a player registers for a competition but fails to show up.
What Does DQ Mean In Golf?
DQ stands for Disqualified. This abbreviation indicates that a player has violated the Rules of Golf or the specific competition’s regulations.
What Does NS Mean In Golf?
NS stands for No Show. This abbreviation is applicable in multi-round competitions, where a player completes at least one round but fails to show up for subsequent rounds.
What Does NC Mean In Golf?
NC stands for No Card. If a player starts a round but neglects to return or sign their scorecard, they would be listed as NC.
What Does MC Mean In Golf?
MC stands for Missed Cut. In professional events, there is typically a cut made after the first two rounds. Only the top 65 or 70 players, depending on the tournament, advance to the weekend rounds, while the remaining players are eliminated and do not continue in the competition. Unfortunately, those who miss the cut go home without any prize or reward.
Final Thoughts
We hope this article has helped clear up any uncertainty you may have had about the meaning of WD in golf. WD stands for withdrawal and is used when a player decides to withdraw from a tournament or competition. Withdrawal can occur due to various reasons, including medical injury, illness, poor performance, or family emergencies. While no one likes seeing a player withdraw, sometimes it is inevitable.
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