The 2025 Procedural Excellence Award

Ranking the Tour's Top Rules Violators

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

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

Long-time veteran Curtis Pike secured the top position for the third straight year, recording nine violations on the fourth 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 "Reload" Rivera, whose nine violations at Old Sagebrush were 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.

Newcomer Larry Brown drew significant attention this season after recording eight violations at Coyote Bend and is widely regarded as a strong contender for next year’s title. Observers cited Brown's “instinctive engagement with rules officials” and willingness to question prior rulings.

The Committee confirmed that Kevin “D.Q.” Johnson recorded ten violations on the seventeenth 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.

Procedural Excellence Award Finalists

  1. Curtis Pike, Goat Hills – Hole 4 (Par 4)
    9 violations | 6 rulings
    Maintained that repositioning was “preventative.” 
  2. Johnny Rivera, Old Sagebrush – Hole 8 (Par 5)
    9 violations | 5 rulings
    Attempted to clarify intent after impact.
  3. Larry Brown, Coyote Bend – Hole 12 (Par 4) 
    8 violations | 6 rulings
    Ball was located following discussion.
  4. Michael Madsen, Sandy Spur Links – Hole 6 (Par 5)
    8 violations | 5 rulings
    Declared multiple contingencies.
  5. Ray Dugan, Timberline 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.