Missing Caddie Costs Golfer His Shot at a Record Round

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — A misplaced caddie cost Doug Miller a two-stroke penalty and a course record.

Miller, a 28-year-old assistant pro from East Norwich, N.Y., shot a 5-under-par 66 to take the lead in the partially completed first round of the New York State Open on Tuesday, but it should have been a course-record 64 on the difficult Bethpage State Park’s Black course.

He was penalized when he was unable to restart on time after a three-hour morning rain delay because his caddie didn’t show up on the third hole with his clubs.

“He was waiting inside for me,” Miller said. “We crossed signals a bit. It’s my fault. It’s the player’s responsibility.”