On the 205-yard par-3 12th hole, Chet Vandenberg, 21, of Martin, Mich., took five strokes. His marker put him down for a four on the hole. After finishing his round, Vanderberg signed his scorecard with the incorrect four.
The group’s walking scorer later saw the discrepancy on the public scoreboard and informed USGA officials, who contacted Vanderberg as he was departing the course.
Vanderberg confirmed that he had in fact made five on the hole and signed for the lower score.
Under Rule 6-6d he was disqualified for signing for a lower score.
Championship director Bill McCarthy commended Vanderberg for his sportsmanship upon learning of his disqualification.
“He was a gentleman about it,” said McCarthy. “He handled it very well, considering his obvious disappointment.”
Vandenberg shot 79 in the first round and was 10-over in his second round before the disqualification.
-By David Normoyle