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It was a shocking claim.
At the PGA Tour Canada Open in Ottawa last week, 28-year-old Justin Dowden was accused of changing his score on the final hole from a double-bogey 7 to a par-5. after The card has already been signed by his playing partner.
The incident was first reported by Ryan French from Monday Q Info, who spoke to players in the Doeden group. According to their account, they noticed Doeden posted 36 holes in total under three while eating lunch after the round. An incorrect score put Doeden one shot inside the cut line, and he was tied for 60th, meaning that 13 other players, who would be tied for 61st, would miss the weekend — and tournament prize money.
As French reports, the players notified tournament officials, who, upon examining Doeden’s scorecard, discovered that the 7 originally tagged in No. 18 had been erased and replaced with a 5. Doeden’s original score would have put him off the cut line and cash for the weekend. Dodin withdrew from the tournament during the officials’ investigation, and did not respond to a request for comment from the French.
But on Monday, Dowden took to Twitter to acknowledge his actions, if not in great detail:
He wrote, “I’m here to admit the biggest mistake I’ve made in my life so far.” “I cheated at golf. It’s not who I am. I let my sponsors down. I let my competitors down. I failed my family. I failed myself. I pray for your forgiveness. John 1:9.” Doeden also tagged his French Twitter handle.
According to the New International Version translation of the Bible, 1 John 1:9 states: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Doeden lists Titleist and FootJoy as sponsors in his Twitter bio. He turned pro in 2018 and has played 56 tournaments on the PGA Tour Canada and PGA Tour Latinoamerica, as well as one event each on Korn Ferry and PGA Tours. Earlier this month, he was knocked out of a three-way playoff to claim his first Latin American PGA Tour title at the Bubba Tour and finished in T2.
It doesn’t look like Doeden has been left out of the Ottawa Open, as his status still reads “W/D” on the PGA Tour Canada website, with a score of 36 holes from three less.
When asked by GOLF.com if Doeden will face a fine or suspension for his admission of cheating, a PGA Tour Canada representative responded with the following statement:
“A violation of the Rules of Golf will be dealt with in accordance with the PGA TOUR Canada Player’s Handbook and tournament regulations. In accordance with Tour policy, this matter – and any related disciplinary action – will be dealt with internally.”