German golfer Marcel Siem has been disqualified from the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth following a rules violation on the closing hole of his opening round.
The 45-year-old found himself at the center of controversy after his tee shot at the par-five 18th strayed right. Believing his ball was out of bounds, Siem played a provisional shot. However, his original ball had actually come to rest in a water hazard and was later located by a spectator.
Unaware of the situation, Siem continued with his provisional ball and completed the hole with what he thought was a bogey six. Tournament officials reviewed the incident and confirmed his disqualification due to the incorrect procedure.
Taking to social media after the ruling, Siem strongly rejected any suggestion of foul play and explained the confusion.
“I just wanted to give you a quick insight into what happened. I would never cheat,” he said. “On 18, I pushed my drive right and hit a provisional, thinking it was out of bounds. I didn’t know there was water on that side. A spectator later found my first ball, but it was unplayable. I picked it up and, without thinking, hit what I believed was my fourth shot. I ended up making birdie with that ball and finished with a bogey. It was simply a mental error.”
Despite the disqualification, Siem emphasized his integrity, calling the incident a “stupid mistake” and expressing disappointment at how his round ended.
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