In a dramatic twist on the PGA Tour, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler has been disqualified from the 2025 RBC Heritage after a rules violation at the Masters Tournament led to disciplinary action from tournament officials. The decision sent shockwaves through the golfing world, coming just days after Scheffler’s intense and emotional showing at Augusta National.
Scheffler, who finished fourth at the 2025 Masters, was initially praised for his competitive spirit and strong final-round performance. However, new details emerged early Monday morning that Scheffler may have committed a breach of Rule 1.2a — covering player conduct — during Sunday’s final round. Video footage surfaced appearing to show Scheffler improving his lie subtly behind the 15th green, a moment that went unnoticed by rules officials at the time.
PGA Tour Response
The PGA Tour released a brief statement confirming that after a review of the footage and internal discussions, Scheffler’s behavior constituted a serious breach of conduct that merited disqualification from the upcoming RBC Heritage, a Signature Event with no cut and a $20 million purse.
“While we respect Scottie’s sportsmanship and accomplishments, the integrity of the game demands accountability,” the statement read. “This decision reflects our commitment to upholding the highest standards of fairness and ethics in golf.”
Fallout from Augusta
The emotional toll of losing the Masters may have played a role in the incident. Scheffler, one of the most consistent and dominant players in the game, was visibly tense during the back nine at Augusta. His drive into the trees on 13 and missed eagle putt on 15 effectively ended his chances of victory. It’s believed the pressure and disappointment may have contributed to a lapse in judgment.
Though the rule violation wasn’t addressed in real-time, a subsequent review — aided by fan-submitted footage — brought the issue to light. The disqualification from the RBC Heritage is seen as both punitive and symbolic, reinforcing the PGA Tour’s zero-tolerance stance on rules infractions.
What’s Next for Scheffler?
The disqualification marks the first major controversy of Scheffler’s career, and fans are now left wondering how the usually composed champion will respond. Known for his mental toughness and humble demeanor, Scheffler has already issued a short statement:
“I regret what happened and take full responsibility. I love this game and everything it stands for, and I’ll learn from this and move forward.”
Scheffler is expected to return at the Wells Fargo Championship next month, but this unexpected blemish on his otherwise stellar record will linger in the minds of fans and analysts for some time.
