Chris Evans was banned for life from the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship pro-am after winning the event in 2011. The decision came after questions were raised over whether the radio DJ should have been playing off a lower handicap.
Evans, 60, partnered Nick Dougherty to victory, beating a field featuring some of the biggest names in celebrity golf. Their success drew scrutiny, with doubts raised about whether Evans' handicap accurately reflected his ability.
Tournament record score
The pair finished on a combined 40 under par, a score that remains the tournament record. Their winning total came across three renowned Scottish courses, where conditions can pose a stern test for competitors.
Evans competed off a 10 handicap, though doubts were raised over whether that figure was legitimate. He capitalised fully on his advantage, edging out a host of other famous faces to claim the prize.
Lifetime ban confirmed
It was only when he was gearing up to defend the pro-am crown the following year that he learnt he was no longer permitted to participate. Tournament officials in Scotland notified Evans that he would be permanently barred from competing in the celebrity event.
"Sadly, I will not be defending my title this year," he wrote in a newspaper column back in 2012. "Why? It appears I've been banned for life."
"I could delve into why but frankly it's all a bit tedious. Suffice to say, if we were children in the playground, the boy who owns the ball just took it home in a sulk because his team didn't win," he added.
Handicap doubts
Addressing doubts over the legitimacy of his handicap, he said: "Along with congratulations, there were rumblings of dissent. The gloaming was dark with talk of my handicap being too high for my ability."
Evans even went as far as to reveal he had toyed with the idea of establishing a rival tournament as an act of revenge. However, he ultimately held back from letting his bitterness go that far.
"It crossed my mind to set up an alternative tournament on the exact same dates," he continued. "I think I'll call it the Dung Hill Cup."
This year's event
This year's Dunhill Links Pro-Am is set to get underway on Thursday. Competitors will take to the fairways at Carnoustie, Kingsbarns and the iconic Old Course at St Andrews before a winner is crowned.
Welsh football legend Gareth Bale returns to the field, while former Premier League stalwart James Milner prepares for his debut appearance. Hollywood star Bill Murray lines up for his 11th outing in the event, with Boyzone favourite Ronan Keating also joining the ranks.
Piers Morgan, Ruud Gullit, Kevin Pietersen and surfing legend Kelly Slater are among the other notable names confirmed to take part. Meanwhile, Bob MacIntyre will look to defend his title in the professional championship, alongside a host of other high-profile golfers including Brooks Koepka, Justin Rose and Matt Fitzpatrick.
