Just suck fast."
If you’re scuffling around the course, I’m there for you, my brother.
We’ve all been there.
Then sit in the bar afterwards, singing his own praises about the 42 or whatever he shot.
You shot it atsome other gameyou invented as you went along.
You’ve got to take the bad with the good.
Which brings us to the US Open qualifying going on around the country as we speak.
As I started reporting the story, I hoped I wasnt about to dive into another cheating incident.
As Kuhl shared what happened later that night, I quickly realized it was the exact opposite.
I had a story about what makes golf great.
He was on top of the world.
But then teammate Jackson Buchanan mentioned how hard it had been putting on the aerated greens.
I felt sick to my stomach, Kuhl said.
I knew I wouldnt be able to sleep if I didnt tell the rules official.
Kuhl was about to DQ himself.
As soon as Buchanan made his comment, Kuhl knew he was probably done.
Although the rule for fixing spike marks has been changed, the rule for fixing aeration marks has not.
… Kuhl immediately sought out the rules official, explaining what he had done.
Soon after, he was informed he had been disqualified.
His dream of playing in the U.S. Open will have to wait at least another year.
This is a reminder about what makes golf great: integrity, honesty and calling a penalty on yourself.
This time it cost Kuhl a chance at the U.S. Open, but he will sleep well tonight.
Integrity, honesty, and calling a penalty on yourselfarewhat makes golf great.
A good night’s sleep is great too.
But you know what’s even more great?
Qualifying for the US Open by shooting a course record 62, that’s what.
I mean, holy smokes.
Golf is so filled with obscure rules that being familiar with them is like practicing law.
Arcane, esoteric stuff about holes created by burrowing animals and such.
For Kuhl’s US Open dream to die over fixing an aeration mark or two is just cruel.
And for him to do himself in like a Samurai committing seppuku borders on insanity.
No night’s sleep is worth that.
Maybe it’s just me.
Perhaps I just have a lower standard of honesty than Kuhl does.
Or at least don’t practice.
It just defies description that he’d do this.
It might be good for the soul.
But it’s no so great for a guy’s chances of winning and getting rich in the process.
But good for Kuhl?
Break out the regalia and the sacred anointing oils.
It’s time we crown Tommy Kuhl the King of Golf Integrity.
Long live the king.
The assholes we all play with could stand to learn a lesson from him.
But don’t hold your breath.
