A Test of Integrity in Sports
by Chris Harvey on 11/20/08
J.P. Hayes is a professional golfer who was trying to redeem his tour status in the 2009 PGA Qualifier this month.
During the second stage of the qualifier, Hayes discovered that on one hole, he mistakenly used a Titleist prototype golf ball not approved for competition by the United States Golf Association.
What’s the big deal? Maybe he would get a few penalty shots and still qualify, one might say.
No. The issue was much greater than that. J.P. Hayes’ disqualification and job for 2009 was on the line.
The test of integrity was in the idea that no one would have known. But Hayes, honoring the tradition of golf where players enforce the rules themselves, turned himself in and was disqualified.
Hayes responded in this article by saying that he did what any other player on tour would do.
I’m not so sure about that! Nonetheless, I applaud Hayes for doing the right thing despite the consequences.
I also found it interesting to see his statements in response to his new status next year.
“I’m kind of at a point in my career where if I have a light year, it might be a good thing,” he said, according to the Journal Sentinel. “I’m looking forward to playing less and spending more time with my family.”
“Its not the end of the world. It will be fine. It is fine.”
Stories in sports like this catch my attention because they are rare and exemplify having a right perspective in athletics and life.
C.Harv
John Garner
John Wooden
Ron Harvey
Stuart Weir
Tony Dungy
bigdaddyjer
Nov 20th, 2008
You and Scott both posted on the same story within minutes of each other.
As I pointed out in his thread, the cynics don’t feel it’s that big a deal because he has made in excess of $7 million in prize money and endorsements. What they don’t consider is the mortgage, car payments, etc. that Hayes has. His integrity could cost him a lot more than his tour card – he should be applauded and emulated.
Pops
Nov 20th, 2008
You are right about the game of golf “enforcing the rules themselves . . . I am not sure about that!” Not every player has done that. Only those with true character have put themselves in that position. Character is what you are when no else is around. I believe that J.P. Hayes is a believer!