Alleged score-fudging incident rattles PGA Tour developmental event

The PGA Tour Canada is investigating an alleged cheating incident that took place at the Ottawa Open this week.

According to a report from Ryan French of Monday Q Info, the incident involved a 28-year-old pro named Justin Doeden and his score on the par-5 18th hole during the second round at Eagle Creek Golf Club. As French was told by witnesses, Doeden hit his second shot into the water on the finishing hole. He took a penalty stroke and dropped for his fourth shot before his next swing landed in a greenside bunker. From there, Doeden failed to get up-and-down, finishing with a double-bogey 7.

But when scores were posted later that afternoon, French reported, Doeden’s card showed he’d made a 5 on the hole. With a par instead of double bogey, Doeden’s posted 36-hole total of three under would’ve been one shot inside the cut line.

As soon as his playing partners saw the incorrect score, French reported, they alerted tournament officials to the error.

According to French, the player who’d kept Doeden’s score confirmed his total and signed the card. But after signing, Doeden asked for the card back to double check the numbers.

When officials were alerted to the incorrect score, French reported, they examined Doeden’s scorecard to find that the 7 from the 18th hole had been erased and replaced with a 5.

As the investigation into the matter was in progress, Doeden reportedly contacted tournament officials and withdrew from the tournament.

When reached for comment by GOLF.com, the PGA Tour Canada communications department said the incident is under review and the tour does not expect to make a formal statement.

If Doeden’s incorrect score had not been caught, it would have had major cut-line implications. Only the top 60 and ties make the cut on the Canadian Tour, and with Doeden’s three-under total, 13 players would have tied for 61st at two under.

Doeden, a fifth-year pro, attended the University of Minnesota where he played on the golf team for his junior and senior seasons. Since turning pro in 2018, he has spent most of his time on the Canadian Tour, playing 43 events. This season, he’s made 12 starts on the Canadian Tour, making eight cuts with five top 25s and one runner-up finish.