Why a 5-Time PGA Tour Winner Disqualified Himself After Bizarre Sequence

Newsweek

24-04-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Garrick Higgo and Joel Dahmen grabbed most of the headlines at the 2025 Corales Puntacana Championship, the former for his spectacular victory and the latter for his incredible loss of the title by bogeying the final three holes.
But there was also a story that may have gone unnoticed, and that was Ben Crane disqualifying himself after realizing he had violated the rules of golf.
Such behavior is not entirely uncommon in golf at all levels, as it is a sport that promotes sportsmanship by having the players be their own referees. However, it is always refreshing to see the pros lead by example.
Ben Crane of the United States plays his shot from the 14th tee during the second round of the Puerto Rico Open 2025 at Grand Reserve Golf Club on March 07, 2025 in Rio Grande,...
Ben Crane of the United States plays his shot from the 14th tee during the second round of the Puerto Rico Open 2025 at Grand Reserve Golf Club on March 07, 2025 in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. MoreThe infraction occurred on the 8th hole of the second round. Crane's tee shot went wide, or so he thought, so he took a second tee shot. When he reached the fairway, however, he realized he had two balls in play because the first one had bounced off some rocks and returned to the fairway unnoticed by the player.
In this situation, Crane continued to play with what he thought was the first ball, but unfortunately for him, it was not. Several holes later, he realized that the ball he thought was his first tee shot on the eighth hole was actually the second.
The fact was undeniable to the player, as he said in a video posted to his X profile. The first ball, it is, the one he didn't continue playing, showed clear signs of hitting the rocks, which allowed him to realize his mistake.
Disqualified myself today here is why. pic.twitter.com/i26Gxv8d80 — Ben Crane (@bencranegolf) April 19, 2025
At that point, Crane had no choice but to disqualify. Rule 6.3c (1) states that that is the penalty for this exact case:
Rule 6.3c (1): "A player must not make a stroke at a wrong ball. In stroke play, the player gets the general penalty (two penalty strokes) and must correct the mistake by continuing play with the original ball by playing it as it lies or taking relief under the Rules."
"The stroke made with the wrong ball and any more strokes before the mistake is corrected (including strokes made and any additional penalty strokes solely from playing that ball) do not count."
"If the player does not correct the mistake before making a stroke to begin another hole or, for the final hole of the round, before returning their scorecard, the player is disqualified."
Of course, Crane had the option of saying nothing at all and trying to get the whole thing to go unnoticed. Fortunately, he chose the morally correct path, which is no doubt being celebrated by his colleagues and fans.
Ben Crane has been playing golf professionally since 1999 and joined the PGA Tour in 2002. He has won five times in his 454 career starts, most recently the 2014 FedEx St. Jude Classic. He has 43 other top-10 finishes, including five runner-up finishes.
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