Golf cheat handed FIVE-YEAR ban after owning up to huge rule breach and issuing grovelling apology

A SCOTTISH amateur golfer has received a five-year ban from tournaments after admitting to cheating. Craig Surgeon, a member of Kingsknowe Golf Club in Edinburgh, was caught breaking the rules at the Lothians Amateur Championship in July. An amateur golfer has received a five-year ban from tournaments Credit: Getty Craig Surgeon dropped a ball and claimed it was a provisional ball that he had hit off the tee Credit: Getty On the 18th hole, Surgeon dropped a ball and claimed it was a provisional ball that he had hit off the tee. Golfers can play a provisional shot if they believe their initial attempt is lost. If that is the case, they can play the second ball and add a penalty shot to their score. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! Someone witnessed the misdemeanor, but Surgeon confessed to cheating and was disqualified. He said: “It was me. I DQ’d [disqualified] myself and I have owned up and am facing the consequences. “Everyone knows, it’s no secret. Again to everyone I am sorry and it’s something I’ve got to live with moving forward.” Kingsknowe Golf Club issued a statement to The Scotsman earlier this week to confirm that action had been taken. It read: “Kingsknowe Golf Club has been made aware that a member has received a suspension from county golf by the Lothians Golf Association following a confirmed incident of cheating during a regional event. “Although the individual has only been a member of Kingsknowe for a short period, the club wishes to make its position absolutely clear. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Surgeon is a member of Kingsknowe Golf Club in Edinburgh Credit: Michael Schofield – The Sun Glasgow “Kingsknowe Golf Club does not tolerate or condone any behaviour that undermines the integrity of the game. Honesty, respect, and adherence to the rules are fundamental values of our club and essential to the spirit of golf. “In line with the Lothians Golf Association’s decision, Kingsknowe Golf Club will replicate the suspension and the individual concerned will not be permitted to represent the club in any capacity for the duration of the county ban. A formal disciplinary proceeding is also underway as per club policy.” The statement continued: “We also wish to distance the club fully from the actions of the individual involved. Their behaviour does not reflect the standards or ethos of Kingsknowe Golf Club, nor the conduct we expect from our members. “Kingsknowe remains committed to upholding the traditions and values of the game and ensuring that all members represent the club with integrity.” The Scotsman also reports that Surgeon will not be playing in any events on the Edinburgh & East of Scotland Alliance circuit this year. Comment now