Pro golfer has clubs confiscated for trying to play a U.S. Open practice round

This is a pretty silly rule, but if you follow golf, you'll be pretty used to silly rules by now.

The story goes like this: Clint Rice, an Australian golfer ranked 1188th in the world, qualified for the U.S. Open as an alternate -- meaning that he doesn't get to play in the tournament unless a certain number of players withdraw. As of Wednesday, the required number of people for Rice to play had yet to withdraw from the tournament.

Rice decided to play practice round with countryman Geoff Ogilvy in case he does get to play, but a USGA official stopped him after 13 holes and confiscated his clubs. Apparently, USGA rules prohibit alternates like Rice from playing a practice round.

According to the Australian AP:

"It's a bit silly if you're not holding anybody up or interfering with their practice," Ogilvy said ... "I'd get it if there were no spots available for players in the field. But this wasn't the case here ...What happens if he gets in on Thursday and hasn't seen the course? He effectively has his chances limited."

(Thanks to GeoffShackelford.com for bringing this to our attention)