One-time Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama has been disqualified by the PGA Tour from the Memorial Tournament after illegal markings were found on his club.
The Japanese star entered the tournament, which began on Thursday. He struggled during his opening nine holes, carding a score of three-over-par. After scoring a double bogey on the second hole, he then hit a bogey on hole number six.
However, PGA Tour officials said that the 30-year-old could no longer continue.
Why was Hideki Matsuyama disqualified?
Following Matsuyama’s disqualification, the PGA Tour’s senior director, Steve Rintoul, released an official statement.
He said: “Unfortunately, our committee learned right after Hideki had teed off that he may be carrying a club that would be non-conforming.
“There is a substance that has been applied to the face by a gentleman that works on Hideki’s clubs. Rule 4a(3) within the equipment rules speaks to applying a substance to the face could unduly affect the performance of a ball; the flight, the spin, all the performance of the ball.”
Photos of the club – a three wood – surfaced online. They show that paint was applied. This was seemingly enough for Matsuyama to be disqualified from the Memorial Tournament.
The 30-year-old used the club on the first hole. After that, his team were alerted to the issue.
The PGA Tour later posted footage of the incident. It shows the PGA Tour’s explanation for the Japanese star being disqualified from the event.
Elsewhere in the event, world number three Cameron Smith is part of a six-way tie for the lead after round one.
In addition, the highest-placed British golfer is Luke Donald. He carded a score of two-under-par. The former world number one is looking for his sixth tournament victory on the PGA Tour.
Matsuyama won the prestigious Masters Tournament in 2021. He became the first male Japanese golfer to win a major championship.
The 30-year-old finished one shot ahead of runner-up Will Zalatoris. He then defended his crown this year. Matsuyama made the cut, and ended with a score of two-over-par. Scottie Scheffler eventually won the event.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
