The Good in Golf

I got a DM on Monday from someone who said, “You should follow up on the Tommy Kuhl story; he DQ’d himself.” As I started reporting the story, I hoped I wasn’t about to dive into another cheating incident. As Kuhl shared what happened later that night, I quickly realized it was the exact opposite. I had a story about what makes golf great. 

Kuhl was walking with some of his University of Illinois cohorts as they watched teammate Adrien Dumont De Chassart compete in a playoff for the final spot at a U.S. Open local qualifier. The event was being held at Illini Country Club in Springfield, Ill., and Kuhl had made it through, having just set a course record with a 10-under 62. He was on top of the world. But then teammate Jackson Buchanan mentioned how hard it had been putting on the aerated greens. “I felt sick to my stomach,” Kuhl said. “I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep if I didn’t tell the rules official.” Kuhl was about to DQ himself. 

As soon as Buchanan made his comment, Kuhl knew he was probably done. Although the rule for fixing spike marks has been changed, the rule for fixing aeration marks has not. “Correct unless a local rule is enacted,” rules official Todd Bailey told me. Kuhl said he made multiple repairs, adding, “I should know better. It comes down to me. I should know that rule.” Kuhl immediately sought out the rules official, explaining what he had done. Soon after, he was informed he had been disqualified. His dream of playing in the U.S. Open will have to wait at least another year. 

Another pro I spoke with said, “I guess I have to DQ myself too.” But he hadn’t qualified anyway. Other pros I spoke with also repaired aeration marks. Those I spoke with who didn't repair aeration marks knew from college tournaments that it was against the rules. “We just don’t play on aerated greens anymore.” one player said.

Kuhl, a fifth-year senior, has had an outstanding year for the Illini, averaging just over 70 per round and finishing in the top 16 in his last 11 events. He finished third at the recent Big Ten championships and will tee it up with the Illini next week at the NCAA regionals. Every friend or former teammate I spoke with talked about what a good player and person he is. “He’s always been a stand-up guy,” said Nick Hardy, a PGA Tour member and former Illinois teammate. 

This is a reminder about what makes golf great: integrity, honesty and calling a penalty on yourself. This time it cost Kuhl a chance at the U.S. Open, but he will sleep well tonight. 

The silver lining: Because he was DQ’d, Dumont De Chassart got through without a playoff.

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