PGA Tour star admits to cheating in tournament and letting his family down

25 July 2023 , 13:29

1311     0

Justin Doeden has admitted to cheating at a PGA Tour tournament (Image: Getty)

Pro golfer Justin Doeden has admitted to cheating at the PGA Tour 's Commissionaires Ottawa Open last week after being accused of changing his score on the final hole.

The 28-year-old withdrew as tournament officials investigated the allegation, which was reported on Monday Q Info. The report states that Doeden’s playing partners noticed that he was listed at 3-under on the leaderboard.

On the 18th hole, Doeden's playing partner had him with a 7-marked down, putting the Minnesota-born golf star at 1-under. However, Doeden swapped a double bogey for par to put him at 3-under, which would have seen him advance to the weekend of the tournament.

Doeden's cheating antics saw 13 rivals have their tournament ruined, finishing T61st, therefore, missing the cut. A tie for 60th would have got them to the weekend stage of the tournament.

"I am here to confess of the biggest mistake I have made in my life to date," Doeden wrote on Twitter in a confession. "I cheated in golf. This is not who I am. I let my sponsors down. I let my competitors down. I let my family down. I let myself down. I pray for your forgiveness. John 1:9."

Bubba Watson shares details of horror knee injury ahead of LIV Golf debut

The bible verse that Doeden referenced in his tweet says that those who confess their sins will be forgiven by "he who is faithful and just" and will be cleansed "from all unrighteousness". Doeden turned pro in 2018 and he has competed in 56 tournaments on PGA Tour Canada and PGA Tour Latinoamerica.

Doeden's cheating antics saw 13 rivals have their tournament ruined after he changed his score (Getty)

As for what happens to Doeden, disciplinary action will be handled internally, the New York Post were told by a PGA Tour Canada representative. "A violation of the Rules of Golf is handled in accordance with the PGA TOUR Canada Player Handbook and Tournament Regulations. Per TOUR policy, the matter — and any related disciplinary action — will be handled internally," the statement said.

Canadian Stuart Macdonald ended up winning the Ottawa Open, whose run to glory involved four rounds of golf with four playoff holes. “I’m obviously thrilled to be standing here as the champion,” said Macdonald. “I felt like I’ve put myself in this spot a few times this year and haven’t gotten it done. It feels amazing to finally get it done.”

Macdonald added: "Not playing with the lead is probably a little bit easier. I was pretty free starting the round. As I made the turn, I saw I had a one-shot lead. I pumped the brakes a little on the back nine. I was a little more conservative.”

Joshua Mbu