Exclusive:New blow for Scottish golfer handed five-year ban for cheating
Surgeon will not be permitted to represent Kingsknowe during his Lothians Golf Association suspension
A Scottish golfer handed a five-year ban entering events in his local area over a cheating allegation has also now been punished by his club.
Kingsknowe Golf Club in Edinburgh issued a statement to The Scotsman announcing action it has taken against Craig Surgeon.
It came just over 24 hours after the Lothians Golf Association revealing it had handed Surgeon a five-year ban over a rules breach in this year’s Lothians Amateur Championship at Turnhouse.
The statement read: “Kingsknowe Golf Club has been made aware that a member has received a suspension from county golf by the Lothians Golf Association following a confirmed incident of cheating during a regional event.
“Although the individual has only been a member of Kingsknowe for a short period, the club wishes to make its position absolutely clear.
“Kingsknowe Golf Club does not tolerate or condone any behaviour that undermines the integrity of the game. Honesty, respect, and adherence to the rules are fundamental values of our club and essential to the spirit of golf.
“In line with the Lothians Golf Association’s decision, Kingsknowe Golf Club will replicate the suspension and the individual concerned will not be permitted to represent the club in any capacity for the duration of the county ban. A formal disciplinary proceeding is also underway as per club policy.”
In the stroke-play qualifying for the Lothians Golf Association’s flagship event at Turnhouse, it is understood that Surgeon dropped a ball at the 18th hole in the second round and claimed it was a provisional ball that he had hit off the tee.
The offence was spotted by someone and Surgeon, who has played for Lothians in the Scottish Area Team Championship this season, subsequently disqualified himself.
The Kingsknowe statement added: “We also wish to distance the club fully from the actions of the individual involved. Their behaviour does not reflect the standards or ethos of Kingsknowe Golf Club, nor the conduct we expect from our members.
“Kingsknowe remains committed to upholding the traditions and values of the game and ensuring that all members represent the club with integrity.”
The Scotsman understands that Surgeon, a regular in recent years, will not be playing in any events on this year’s Edinburgh & East of Scotland Alliance circuit.
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