The Wildest Moments of the 2024 PGA Tour Season
The 2024 PGA Tour season was filled with drama, surprises, and unforgettable moments, proving that even professional golfers aren’t immune to life’s unexpected twists. From personal setbacks to unusual controversies, here’s a look at the craziest stories that made headlines this year.
—
1. Hideki Matsuyama: From Being Robbed to a Stunning Comeback
Hideki Matsuyama’s year took a wild turn after his Olympic success. Following his bronze medal win in France, Matsuyama and his team faced an ordeal at a London airport when they were robbed. Matsuyama lost his wallet, and complications with his caddie’s and coach’s passports forced them to return to Japan.
Despite these challenges, Matsuyama persevered. With Taiga Tabuchi stepping in as his temporary caddie, he competed at the FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis. Against the odds, Matsuyama won his 10th PGA Tour title, clinching victory with back-to-back birdies after almost losing a five-shot lead. Reflecting on his success, Matsuyama remarked that the difficult week may have fueled his determination to win.
—
2. Jason Day’s Vest Controversy at the Masters
Jason Day made headlines at the Masters, but not for his performance. His choice of apparel—a white vest emblazoned with “Malbon Golf Championship”—caught the attention of Augusta National’s notoriously strict officials. During the tournament’s second day, Day was asked to remove the vest, which some speculated violated the club’s dress code.
Day complied without protest, emphasizing his respect for the tournament’s traditions. While Malbon Golf’s founder questioned whether the vest was removed due to warm weather or explicit instructions, fans were quick to speculate about Augusta’s stringent policies. The incident highlighted the delicate balance between individuality and tradition in the sport.
—
3. A Lost Tiger Woods Relic: The Million-Dollar Mystery
One of the most intriguing stories of the year involved a priceless piece of Tiger Woods memorabilia: the ball from his iconic 1997 Masters victory. Billionaire Warren Stephens revealed that Woods handed the ball to his son as he walked off the 18th green. Since then, the ball has mysteriously disappeared somewhere within Stephens’ home.
The potential value of this lost artifact has been estimated in the millions, turning the story into an extraordinary case of high-stakes hide-and-seek. Stephens joked that it’s “probably in the house forever,” adding to the mystique of this missing relic.
—
4. Matt Kuchar’s Unusual Monday Finish
At the Wyndham Championship, Matt Kuchar made an unusual decision to delay finishing his final round until the next morning. After hitting his drive on the 18th hole as daylight faded, Kuchar opted to mark his ball and return Monday morning. This move ensured he could finish under optimal conditions, securing a par and a T12 finish.
While the decision earned him $145,000—$70,000 more than if he had made a bogey—some criticized him for inconveniencing tournament staff and volunteers. Kuchar defended the choice, emphasizing the importance of finishing strong in the right conditions.
—
5. Scottie Scheffler’s Arrest Drama
One of the most shocking moments of the year involved Scottie Scheffler’s arrest just before the second round of the PGA Championship. The incident occurred when Scheffler bypassed traffic controls near the course, just 45 minutes after a pedestrian was fatally struck by a shuttle bus.
Stopped by a police detective, Scheffler was detained and later described the experience as a “big misunderstanding.” Released in time to tee off as scheduled, Scheffler admitted he was shaken by the ordeal but managed to refocus on his game.
—
A Year of Lessons and Surprises
The 2024 PGA Tour season showcased the resilience and humanity of professional golfers. Whether overcoming personal setbacks, navigating controversies, or becoming part of bizarre stories, these athletes proved they’re more than their scores. With such an eventful year behind us, anticipation for 2025 is already building.