Joel Dahmen was involved in a bizarre incident during the first round of the Shriners Children’s Open at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas.
Upon reaching the fourth tee, Dahmen realised he was carrying an extra four-iron. After notifying a rules official, the 36-year-old was handed a four-shot penalty and went on to card a five-over 76.
Dahmen admitted after his round that he had no idea how the club found its way into his bag.
“I played Tuesday and Wednesday out here. We didn’t see it in there. It was an extra 4-iron, so I had two 4-irons in the bag,” Dahmen explained.
“Why, I don’t know. I don’t know how it got there. It sucks. It sucks at the spot I’m in as well. Yeah, we got to four tee, and I grabbed a water, and I walked over to my bag, and I saw a 4-iron that was in the wrong spot, and our staff is always in the right spot. It wasn’t in the right place.”
After the unique incident, The Golfing Gazette examines five other bizarre penalties that have occurred on the PGA Tour.
Dustin Johnson – 2010 PGA Championship at Whistling Straights
One of the more costly rules blunders occurred at the 2010 PGA Championship. Dustin Johnson, whilst playing the 72nd hole at Whistling Straights, grounded his club in a bunker before his second shot.
After the round, Johnson admitted he was unaware that the area was classed as a bunker.
The American signed for a seven instead of a five and missed out on a playoff by one shot.
Craig Stadler – 1987 Torrey Pines
Craig Stadler was given a two-shot penalty for using a towel to kneel on in order to keep his pants dry on the 14th hole at Torrey Pines.
The American was eventually disqualified after signing for an incorrect scorecard. The incident cost him $30,000 and Ryder Cup points.
Tiger Woods – 2013 Masters at Augusta National
Tiger Woods was also involved in one of the more unfortunate penalties at the 2013 Masters.
After the 15-time major winner’s third shot cannoned off the flag stick and back into the water on the famous par-five 15th, the American took a drop instead of playing from the designated drop area or in line with where the ball last crossed the water.
Woods was eventually penalised two strokes but kept his spot in the tournament after rules officials waived disqualification.
Simon Dyson – 2013 Shanghai Masters
Englishman Simon Dyson was disqualified after failing to add a two-shot penalty to his card during the 2013 Shanghai Masters.
Dyson tapped down a spike mark directly between his ball and the cup. The Wentworth authorities gave the 46-year-old a two-month ban and £30,000 fine.
Ian Woosnam – 2021 Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes
Ian Woosnam was in contention to win a second major championship at the 2001 Open Championship.
However, upon arriving at the second tee at Royal Lytham & St Annes, Woosnam noticed a second driver in his bag. The big stick was the club Woosnam was using on the range.
Woosnam was penalised two strokes and finished four back of David Duval.
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