The Truist Championship, a key event on the PGA Tour, has not been without its share of controversies over the years. As players vie for victory at Quail Hollow, the tournament has provided memorable moments, both good and bad. Here, we look back at some of the most contentious incidents.
Zac Blair's Disqualification
In 2016, Zac Blair found himself in danger of missing the cut at four over par as he reached the fourth hole. After missing a birdie putt on the fifth green, he struck himself on the head with his putter in frustration. He completed the hole with the same club, but later realized the putter was damaged. He consulted an official on the sixth tee and was disqualified under Rule 4-3b, which prohibits replacing equipment damaged deliberately due to anger. Blair later said on social media: "I let my emotions get the best of me today. I'm going to do my best not to let my emotions get in the way out on the golf course and learn from this mishap."
Xander Schauffele's Drop-Ball Controversy
During the 2024 edition, Xander Schauffele opened with a stunning 64 to take a three-shot lead. However, on the par-four eighth, his approach shot landed near a penalty zone, close to a ShotLink tower. Because the ball was near a temporary immovable object, he was granted a free drop. He placed his ball in pine straw beside the fairway, avoiding a difficult shot through foliage, and managed an unlikely par. When asked if he was in the penalty area, he replied: "No, I was beyond it, actually."
Sergio Garcia's Fiery Outburst
In 2022 at TPC Potomac, Sergio Garcia's tee shot on the 10th went into a hazard. After searching for his ball, an official told him he had exceeded the three-minute search time, and the ball was declared lost. Furious, Garcia said: "I can't wait to leave this tour. A couple of more weeks and I won't have to deal with you anymore." The PGA Tour later confirmed the official had not accounted for the time Garcia spent crossing a creek. Garcia made the switch to LIV Golf in June 2022.
