Exclusive:Scottish golfer handed five-year ban over cheating allegation

The action has been taken against Craig Surgeon, a member of Kingsknowe Golf Club in Edinburgh, over a rules breach in this year’s Lothians Amateur Championship.

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.

“It was me,” he replied to a post on social media about the incident. “I DQ’d myself and I have owned up and am facing the consequences. “Everyone knows, it’s no secret. Again to everyone I am sorry and it’s something I’ve got to live with moving forward.”

At the time, the Lothians Golf Association confirmed that Surgeon had made contact after arriving home to admit that he’d played the “wrong ball” and that he had disqualified himself.

Nearly two months on, the LGA has issued a statement to The Scotsman after deciding to take action against Surgeon, even though he was not named in it.

‘Actions prioritise the integrity of golf’

It read: "Following an incident that occurred during the qualifying rounds of the Lothians Amateur Championship in July, the Association investigated one player's actions. As a result of these investigations and the information available, they have now concluded that investigation.

“Subsequently, a player has been suspended from entering all Lothians Golf Association events for a period of five years, with the last three years suspended.

“The Association feels its actions are justified, prioritising the integrity of golf. The player and his club have now been informed and the Association now considers the matter closed.”