What is the true cost of integrity—especially when it might mean losing a championship or millions in prize money? In professional golf, where every stroke can change the outcome of a tournament, integrity remains a defining trait of the sport. This was recently demonstrated by Sahith Theegala, who forfeited a potential $2.5 million payday at the Tour Championship after voluntarily calling a two-stroke penalty on himself.
Theegala’s action brings to mind a similar story involving Davis Riley, who made a selfless decision during the 2013 U.S. Junior Amateur. In a pivotal match against Scottie Scheffler, Riley penalized himself, altering the result of the contest. Now, over a decade later, Riley again chose integrity over advantage during the CJ Cup Byron Nelson tournament.
On the 34th hole of the 2013 U.S. Junior Amateur Final, Davis Riley called a one-stroke penalty on himself after noticing his ball move upon addressing a potential birdie putt.
The penalty resulted in him losing the match 3 & 2…to Scottie Scheffler. pic.twitter.com/IlTB4gQBGV https://t.co/vpHzzuUL2B
— Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) May 3, 2025
Riley ended his round strong with a five-under-par score, capped by a crucial eagle. But it wasn’t just his clutch performance that stood out. In an interview, he revealed that during his second round, he realized he had accidentally used a slope feature on his distance-measuring device—a violation of competition rules. Without hesitation, he reported the mistake and accepted a two-stroke penalty, temporarily dropping him outside the projected cut line.
Reflecting on the importance of honesty in golf, Riley emphasized how players hold themselves to high moral standards, underscoring the role integrity plays in preserving the spirit of the game. He noted that it’s essential to protect the competition and uphold the rules, even when it means facing setbacks.
This moment echoes Riley’s earlier career when, as a 16-year-old, he was competing in the final round of the 2013 U.S. Junior Amateur. As he prepared for a birdie putt, Riley noticed his ball had moved and immediately called a penalty on himself. That one stroke contributed to his loss against Scheffler, who went on to win the match 3 and 2.
Despite the painful outcomes, Riley has remained consistent in his values. Looking back on that 2013 moment, he said that being accountable is part of the game and a core part of what golf represents. His actions—then and now—demonstrate a deep commitment to the sport’s ethical standards, especially in a time when competitive pressures can often blur the lines of fair play.
Riley’s steadfast devotion to the principles of honesty and self-governance shows that in golf, character can matter as much as talent. While victories may come and go, actions like his leave a lasting mark and serve as a powerful reminder of what makes golf unique among sports.