Honest golfer owns up to error no one would ever have known about

Pro golfer J.P. Hayes disqualified himself from the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament for accidentally using an illegal, prototype golf ball.

Hayes’ caddy pulled a ball out of his golf bag and tossed it to him. After two shots Hayes realised it wasn’t the same one he had started his round with and took a two-shot penalty.

Later, while chilling in his hotel room, he realised it was not a an approved ball and so he reported himself to the PGA. He was then disqualified.

Hayes said any other pro golfer in his situation “would have done the same thing”.

What makes Hayes’ honesty even more remarkable is that the disqualification ended his chances of playing full-time on the PGA Tour in 2009. He could have kept quiet about it, but he chose not to, a decision that would normally cost him thousands of dollars in income.

But, this being America, Hayes’ story has captured the imagination of the public, not to mention PGA tournament sponsors, who will doubtless be keen to offer Hayes a special invitation to play.

So, his honesty may earn him more than just respect.

We can see the TV movie now: JP Hayes, The Honest Golfer…