As he and millions of TV spectators watched in disbelief, his ball caromed off a boulder and bounced back into the fairway.
The real reason for choosing a cold-weather location had little to do with the comfort of the fans in the stadium and far more to do with the demands of TV spectators in their living rooms.
#bostonmarathon April 15 , 20138.54pm BST In this image from video provided by WBZ TV, spectators and runners run from what was described as twin explosions that shook the finish line of the Boston marathon.
Ostensibly, his reason was the low prize fund, $50,000 - he wanted a share of TV and spectator receipts - but there were also signs that, with his lifetime target so close, he was unsettled by the huge media interest and finding it hard to motivate himself.
"Watching TV as a spectator, you're caught up in the weekly narrative, whether you have a bet on the game, whether you're playing fantasy.
There's too much riding on it, with TV and the spectators".
"To speed up play for everyone, spectators, TV especially, the officials".
Certainty for spectators, TV audiences and players was the key argument for installing the roof, he added.
While some 40 members of the media are expected in the courtroom, there is unlikely to be live Court TV commentary or spectators camping out overnight to get seats.
The striking saddle-shaped polycarbonate roof keeps the sun at bay while admitting as much daylight as anyone could want, and 700 TV monitors keep spectators on the ball while they queue at one of 53 bars and 72 food outlets serviced by 15 kitchens.
