Brian Harman's Penalty for Playing Wrong Ball at The American Express

During the opening round of The American Express tournament at PGA West’s Stadium Course, professional golfer Brian Harman mistakenly played an amateur's golf ball instead of his own. This incident occurred on the 10th hole, where Harman, after hitting a shot that landed approximately 10 feet from the hole, realized he had played the wrong ball, resulting in a two-stroke penalty.

Brian Harman plays wrong ball, which belonged to AmEx amateur‘That is a huge mistake:’ Rarely used golf-ball rule stings major winner

Harman's error was confirmed by analysts on the Golf Channel, who noted the rarity of such a mistake in professional golf. The ball he played did not belong to his playing partner, Max Homa, but rather to one of the two amateurs in their group. Following the penalty, Harman continued play with the correct ball, ultimately carding a double bogey on the hole after his fourth stroke hit off the rocks and landed on the green.

‘That is a huge mistake:’ Rarely used golf-ball rule stings major winnerBrian Harman plays wrong ball, which belonged to AmEx amateur

According to the rules of golf, specifically Rule 6.3c (1), a player who plays a wrong ball incurs a two-stroke penalty and must return to the original ball to continue play. If the mistake is not corrected before starting the next hole or returning the scorecard, disqualification may occur.

‘That is a huge mistake:’ Rarely used golf-ball rule stings major winner

The confusion surrounding the balls likely stemmed from similarities in markings, as Harman had marked his Titleist ball with a black Sharpie. Analysts speculated that the amateur's ball may have had similar markings or numbers, contributing to the mix-up. Smylie Kaufman, an analyst, emphasized the importance of players being aware of their golf balls, particularly when competing alongside amateurs who typically tee off from different positions.

‘That is a huge mistake:’ Rarely used golf-ball rule stings major winner

The Golf Channel's analysts expressed their surprise at the incident, with Curt Byrum stating, “My goodness,” and Billy Ray Brown noting, “It’s been quite some time since I’ve seen that event unfold.” Kaufman remarked on the unfortunate nature of the mistake, highlighting the responsibility of players to recognize their own equipment.

‘That is a huge mistake:’ Rarely used golf-ball rule stings major winner

While there was no formal criticism directed at Harman, the incident sparked discussions among commentators about the need for players to maintain awareness of their equipment, especially in mixed groups with amateurs. The consensus among analysts was that such mistakes, while rare, serve as a reminder of the importance of diligence in the game.

‘That is a huge mistake:’ Rarely used golf-ball rule stings major winner

• “My goodness.” — Curt Byrum, Analyst

‘That is a huge mistake:’ Rarely used golf-ball rule stings major winner

• “It’s been quite some time since I’ve seen that event unfold. That is a huge mistake there.” — Billy Ray Brown, Analyst

‘That is a huge mistake:’ Rarely used golf-ball rule stings major winner

• “It’s the worst feeling in the world.” — Smylie Kaufman, Analyst

‘That is a huge mistake:’ Rarely used golf-ball rule stings major winner

• “I mean, that ball is well-marked. … It must not have been logo up.” — Curt Byrum, Analyst

‘That is a huge mistake:’ Rarely used golf-ball rule stings major winner

• “That had to be what it was — the logo was down, and they get up there and they realize they hit the wrong ball.” — Smylie Kaufman, Analyst

‘That is a huge mistake:’ Rarely used golf-ball rule stings major winner

This incident serves as a notable example of the complexities and challenges faced by professional golfers, particularly in pro-am tournaments where the dynamics of play can lead to unexpected errors.

‘That is a huge mistake:’ Rarely used golf-ball rule stings major winner