PGA Tour Slaps Korn Ferry Tour Players With Penalty as Integrity Gets Violated in a Brooks Koepka-Bryson DeChambeau Betting Blunder

Golf is often termed as a gentleman’s game. Moreover, it is a sport that boasts integrity and honor above everything else as players take to the course to best each other. However, certain occasions arise when drastic measures have to be taken against golfers for violating the trust that was put in them.

This time around, it is none other than two members from the prestigious Korn Ferry Tour who find themselves in a dicey situation. The duo went ahead to act in bad faith against the honor of the sport, placing bets on matches, that too in a match between golfers Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau no less, all the while earning the ire of the PGA Tour!

Korn Ferry Tour members violate the integrity of the game

It is very important for sports including the likes of golf to be played in a safe, and ethical environment. However, sometimes the community does arrive at a juncture when they have to question the uprightness of the people playing the game. And, this time around, it is none other than Vince India and Jake Staiano, two members of the Korn Ferry Tour, who have broken the trust of the people.

The PGA Tour, on Friday, made an announcement informing the suspension of the two players from the game. They have been put under disciplinary action following the violation of the PGA Tour Integrity Program by placing bets on competitions on the circuit. However, neither of the two wagered on contests they were a part of.

India has been suspended for six months from September 18, 2023, through March 17, 2024, while Staiano has been punished from September 11 to the 10th of December for a total of three months. The latter has been forced away from PGA Tour-sanctioned competitions for placing a total of 4 bets in the year 2021 for a total of $116.20, out of which three were on the Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau’s Capital One’s The Match.

The 12-hole competition between the two top golfers saw Koepka defeat his on-course rival at the Wynn Golf Club in Las Vegas. The former emerged victorious over the 30-year-old 4&3 by claiming wins at the 2,5,6, and 8th holes.

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As exciting as the duel might have been, it does come out in bad taste when players place wagers on the same, earning the wrath of the PGA Tour. However, this is not the first time the circuit has suspended a player!

Ben An suspended for violating the policy

Earlier this month, a three-month suspension ensued for Ben An following his violation of the anti-doping policy. The golfer was tested for a substance prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency which came out positive.

An revealed that he accidentally took the same through a medicine from his native country of Korea after suffering from a bout of cough. The player did so without checking the contents of the remedy leading him to be punished for using a substance prohibited under the PGA Tour’s anti-doping program.

He is eligible to return to the PGA Tour from December 1, 2023.

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