Golf is a game that requires discipline, patience, and attention to detail. In golf, there are several rules that must be followed, and a violation of these rules can result in disqualification from the tournament. While most disqualifications in golf occur due to rule infractions, there have been a few instances where golfers have been disqualified for bizarre reasons. In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the craziest ways a golfer has been disqualified in golf.
In 2001, during the British Open, Ian Woosnam was disqualified from the tournament for using a range finder. A range finder is a device that helps golfers determine the distance between them and the hole. However, the use of range finders is not allowed during professional golf tournaments. Woosnam had unknowingly left the device in his bag, and when it was discovered, he was disqualified from the tournament.
2. Hitting the Wrong Ball
During the 1968 Masters, Roberto De Vicenzo was disqualified from the tournament after he signed an incorrect scorecard. De Vicenzo had hit the wrong ball on the 17th hole, which resulted in a penalty stroke. However, when he signed his scorecard, he mistakenly recorded his score as a four instead of a five. As a result, he was disqualified from the tournament, and Bob Goalby was declared the winner.
3. Removing a Leaf
In 2013, during the BMW Championship, Tiger Woods was disqualified from the tournament for an infraction that occurred the previous day. During the second round, Woods had taken a drop after hitting a ball into a water hazard. However, during his backswing, a leaf moved, and he did not replace it before taking his shot. The next day, a viewer called in to report the infraction, and Woods was disqualified from the tournament.
4. Being Late to the Tee Box
In 1990, during the Italian Open, Eduardo Romero was disqualified from the tournament for being late to the tee box. Romero had been delayed by traffic and arrived at the tee box six minutes late. While the other golfers on his team had already teed off, Romero had not made it to the tee box in time and was disqualified.
5. Failing to Sign the Scorecard
In 1960, during the U.S. Open, Arnold Palmer was disqualified from the tournament for failing to sign his scorecard. Palmer had recorded a score of 71 for the final round, but he did not sign his scorecard. As a result, he was disqualified from the tournament, and Jack Nicklaus was declared the winner.
In conclusion
Golf is a game that requires attention to detail, and a violation of the rules can result in disqualification. While most disqualifications occur due to rule infractions, these crazy disqualifications serve as a reminder that anything can happen in golf, and the game can change in an instant.