The 2025 Procedural Excellence Award

The race for the 2025 Procedural Excellence Award tightened considerably over the final weeks of the season, with several competitors posting late-round surges that required extended review.

The dubious award is presented annually to the competitor recording the highest number of rules violations on a single hole.

Curtis "Off the Cart Path" Pike secured the top position for the third straight year, recording nine violations on the 4th hole at Goat Hills. Pike's performance—which included two separate lie adjustments and a prolonged discussion regarding intent—was described by officials as “complete.”

Close behind was Johnny "O.B. Wan" Rivera, whose nine violations at Old Sagebrush were ultimately reduced on review, leaving him just short of the lead. Rivera briefly held the top position following what one official described as “an ambitious sequence of interpretations,” before the ruling was clarified. He was on the clock throughout.

A notable development this season was the emergence of Dale "Drop Zone" Madsen, who recorded eight violations at Coyote Bend and is widely regarded as a strong contender for next year’s title. Observers cited Madsen's “instinctive engagement with rules officials” and willingness to dispute prior decisions.

The Committee confirmed that Kevin “D.Q.” Johnson recorded 10 violations on the 17th at Westwood, a total that would have given him the title, but the entry was not recognized after he was disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard.

 

Ranking the Tour's Top Rules Violators

  1. Curtis “Off the Cart Path” Pike, Goat Hills – Hole 4 (Par 4)
    9 violations | 6 rulings
    Maintained that repositioning was “preventative.” 
  2. Johnny “O.B. Wan” Rivera, Old Sagebrush – Hole 8 (Par 5)
    9 violations | 5 rulings
    Attempted to clarify intent after impact.
  3. Dale “Drop Zone” Madsen, Coyote Bend – Hole 12 (Par 4)
    8 violations | 6 rulings
    Ball was located following discussion.
  4. Tommy “Teeing Up Another One” Thompson, Rusty Spur Links – Hole 6 (Par 5)
    8 violations | 5 rulings
    Declared multiple contingencies.
  5. Ray “Wrong Fairway” Dugan, Back Nine Hollow – Hole 11 (Par 4)
    7 violations | 2 rulings
    Adjustment described as negligible.

 

 

From the Lab 

  • Repeated clarification does not reduce uncertainty.

 

 

From the Rules Commitee

  • The matter is no longer under discussion.

 

 

Administrative Note

  • No standard exists for acceptable frustration.

 

These materials reflect field notes, behavioral observations, and informal conclusions derived from prolonged exposure to golfers and golf culture. Views expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the GSTPA, the GSTPA Tour, or Sham Golf Media LLC.