Golf portrays itself as honorable and pristine. Players call penalties on themselves. This self-regulation sets golf apart. Yet beneath this veneer lie shocking tales of misconduct. The isolated nature of the sport creates unique opportunities for deception. Even legends have faced controversy.
17. Colin Montgomery’s Ball Scandal
Monty replaced his ball suspiciously at the 2005 Indonesian Open. Video evidence damned him.
Fellow golfers expressed outrage. Montgomerie avoided penalties but donated his prize money to charity. The incident faded until Sandy Lyle revived it years later.
16. Patrick Reed’s Sand Incident
Reed improved his bunker lie at the 2019 Hero World Challenge. Officials caught the violation immediately.
They assessed a two-stroke penalty. Like a perfect storm, his reputation suffered permanent damage. Reed blamed camera angles while competitors questioned his integrity.
15. Phil Mickelson’s Rule-Breaking Moment
Phil deliberately hit his moving ball at the 2018 U.S. Open. This shocking choice earned him a two-stroke penalty.
Spectators stared in disbelief. Commentators struggled for words. His defense as “strategy” rang hollow. This moment permanently altered his legacy in the sport.
14. Dustin Johnson’s Heartbreaking Penalty
Johnson led the 2010 PGA Championship heading into the final hole. He grounded his club in what appeared to be waste area.
Officials ruled it a bunker. The two-stroke penalty eliminated his victory chances. Fans erupted in protest. The controversy centered on poor course marking.
13. Tiger’s Masters Controversy
Woods took an improper drop at the 2013 Masters after his ball hit the flagstick. Officials reviewed video evidence carefully.
Tiger admitted his mistake. The resulting two-stroke penalty sparked accusations of preferential treatment. His status as golf’s biggest star complicated the situation considerably.
12. The Scorecard Showdown
Rina Rohilla faced expulsion from Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club for alleged scorecard manipulation. The club acted swiftly.
She maintained her innocence throughout the ordeal. The resulting legal battle exposed the stark contrast between golf’s image and reality.
11. Scorecard Disaster
Roe and Parnevik failed to exchange scorecards at the 2003 Open Championship. This administrative error proved catastrophic.
Both faced immediate disqualification. Roe went from contention to spectator in seconds. The harsh punishment sparked debates about outdated regulations.
10. TV Snitch Scandal
A viewer reported Thompson for misplacing her ball at the 2017 ANA Inspiration. Officials assessed a four-stroke penalty mid-round.
Thompson fought through tears to force a playoff. She ultimately lost. This controversy prompted rule changes limiting viewer involvement in officiating.
9. Legends Rookie Mistake
Inkster used a weighted training aid during a delay at the 2010 Safeway Classic. A television viewer reported the violation.
Officials disqualified the Hall-of-Famer. Fans questioned whether such a technical violation warranted the severe punishment.
8. The Tap That Ruined It All
Dyson tapped down a spike mark at the 2013 BMW Masters. This violated Rule 16-1a explicitly.
Officials disqualified him after the penalty. Later, they added suspension and fines. Dyson maintained the action was unintentional throughout the proceedings.
7. Wie’s One Foot Fallout
Wie took an improper drop at the 2005 Samsung World Championship. A television viewer noticed the violation after the round.
Officials disqualified her for signing an incorrect scorecard. The young star accepted the ruling gracefully. Her violation measured mere inches.
6. Heroic Loss on the Green
Davis called a penalty on himself during a playoff at the 2010 Verizon Heritage. He touched a loose impediment during his backswing.
The self-reported violation cost him the tournament. Furyk claimed victory. Davis earned universal respect for his extraordinary integrity.
5. The Dollar’s 20 Million Signature Mistake
De Vicenzo signed an incorrect scorecard at the 1968 Masters. His playing partner recorded a higher score on one hole.
This clerical error prevented a playoff opportunity. Goalby won instead. His famous lament entered golf’s permanent lexicon as the ultimate cautionary tale.
4. The Extra Club Meltdown
Woosnam discovered an extra club in his bag at the 2001 Open Championship. His caddie broke the news on the first tee.
The two-stroke penalty derailed his momentum completely. Woosnam slammed the offending driver down in frustration. Victory slipped away over a simple counting error.
3. Jane Blalock’s Cheating Allegations 1972
Blalock faced accusations of improper ball marking in 1972. The LPGA suspended her following an investigation.
She sued for reinstatement successfully. The scandal permanently altered her reputation. This controversy forced significant procedural changes within women’s professional golf.
2. Paul Azinger’s Unauthorized Advice
Azinger allegedly received advice during the 1991 Ryder Cup. Ballesteros made the accusation publicly.
This created lasting tension between teams. The incident added another dimension to the already intense continental rivalry.
1. Ballesteros Multiple Drop Controversies
Ballesteros faced scrutiny for questionable drops throughout his career. Fellow competitors watched him with suspicion.
Though never formally penalized, whispers followed him. His aggressive style often tested boundaries. The 1983 Open Championship featured his most controversial incident.
