I’ve never liked the guy.

Several violations would be an average. Depending on his play, it probably ranges from 1-5. The standards are quoted from the rule book - they are not “tips” from an article or whatever.

His actions do break rules and result in penalties - the PGA Tour, according to anecdotal evidence, fines him more than any other player. My point is that stroke penalties would end his bad behavior because fines don’t, nor do letters from Watson.

There is precedent for stroke penalties - Serena Williams just lost match point at the US Open because of a tantrum. I did not say players must be charming and congenial, just that they follow the USGA’s guidelines for good behavior, which are followed by non-club throwing non-cursing players like Palmer and Nicklaus.

Moreover, while everyone would like to see ALL players exhibit good manners and sportsmanship, I for one don’t want to see athletic competitions decided, even in part, on the basis of a player’s perceived charm and congeniality. Therefore, notwithstanding the question of whether Watson’s letter got through to Tiger, I think Tom’s general approach to the problem — peer guidance and suasion — is the correct one.