Gof Rule - TV golf today

Question
On TV today, I noted that Vijay Sing, after first hitting the ball (on the play off hole) in the sand trap, he then hit a rather poor shot out of the trap that only went a 100 yards or so.  
The announcers did not comment on this but I noted that he appeared to pick up his ball (which was lying in the middle of the fairway).  He marked the spot with a golf tee.  He examined the ball and then replaced it in exchange for his golf tee.  He then hit his next shot to a green side bunker.  What golf rule wold allow him to do this (pick up his ball and examine it when it is in the middle of the fairway)?
Bob Wiley (a non-golfer but I enjoy watching it on TV)

Answer
Dear Bob, thanks for the question.  This could be for two reasons:  The first in no particular order: Occasionally a tournament will call upon a rule known as Lift-Clean-Place...which is rather self-explanatory.  This is deemed for the fairway ONLY and on the PGA Tour, is extremely rare.  Here's the reasoning behind the rule:  While the inherent intention of the game is to play the ball as it lies, from time to time, the conditions in the fairway are not up to normal standards and therefore a tournament committee will invoke this rule either on a particular hole or holes, or even for all 18 if necessary.  It is usually due to unpredictable or inclement weather, and occasionally, disease in the turf.  Under the rule, a player, when in the fairway, can pick up the ball, clean it if necessary and re-place it exactly where it was, not improving a single aspect of the lie.  While Pebble Beach may look nearly perfect on TV, it's possible this rule was in effect today and/or throughout the tourney.  On the other hand, the second reason:  If, in fact, a player feels there is the distinct possibility that, based on the previous shot just hit, he/she damaged his/her ball, a player is allowed under the rules to inspect it.  If the ball is not damaged, they can simply place it down exactly, or put a new ball into play if it is damaged, also in the exact spot of course.  

As I recall, last year's tournament at Pebble was indeed under the effect of Lift-Clean-Place, but my guess would be that Vijay more than likely thought he damaged his ball coming out of that bunker, perhaps just clipping the lip.

In any event, I hope that helps should you see that again.  Thanks again for asking, good luck and remember...

Love the game,
skipper