WENTWORTH, ENGLAND– In a scandal that has sent shockwaves through the world of golf, Alex Noren has been officially stripped of his historic BMW PGA Championship victory following formal accusations of cheating by a group of fellow professionals, including major champions Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau.
The stunning announcement was made by the European Tour Group’s Tournament Committee late Tuesday after an emergency session to review what they called “overwhelming and credible evidence” presented by the accusing players.
The controversy centers on a critical shot during the final round on the West Course’s 17th hole. Noren, who carded a spectacular closing 65 to force a playoff and eventually clinch the title, was in the trees lining the fairway. According to the official complaint, filed jointly by Rahm, DeChambeau, and three other star players whose names have not yet been officially released, Noren improperly improved his lie before playing his recovery shot.
The specific allegation claims Noren used his foot to press down grass and a small branch directly behind his ball, a clear violation of Rule 8.1 which prohibits improving the conditions affecting the stroke by moving, bending, or breaking any growing or attached natural object.
While the incident was not picked up by television broadcasters in real-time, it was allegedly witnessed by the group’s caddies and subsequently confirmed by enhanced video footage from a fan’s mobile phone, which was submitted as evidence.
“The integrity of our sport is paramount,” read a statement from the Tournament Committee. “After a thorough review of all available evidence, including high-resolution video and testimony from multiple parties, the Committee has determined that a breach of the Rules of Golf occurred. As the player did not assess himself a penalty stroke for this action, the scorecard he signed was incorrect. Therefore, Alexander Noren is disqualified from the 2024 BMW PGA Championship.”
The victory, which had been the 45-year-old Swede’s biggest in several years, was seen as a triumphant return to form and a powerful statement ahead of his role as a vice-captain for the European Ryder Cup team this fall. The stripping of the title now casts a long and dark shadow over his career and his position.
“This is a shameful day for European golf,” a source within the Ryder Cup team setup told reporters. “To have your vice-captain, a figure who is supposed to embody fairness and sportsmanship, implicated in something like this… it’s devastating. Conversations are already happening about his future role.”
The golf world has reacted with a mixture of shock and dismay. Jon Rahm, known for his fiery passion and strict adherence to the game’s traditions, was reportedly the driving force behind the complaint.
“Jon doesn’t do this lightly,” an insider close to the Spanish star said. “He believes the rules are the rules, for everyone, no matter the situation. He saw something he felt was a clear violation and, with the support of others, felt obligated to act.”
Bryson DeChambeau’s involvement adds a fascinating layer, highlighting a rare moment of unity between traditional and modern approaches to the game in the name of preserving its integrity.
For Noren, the repercussions are immediate and severe. He loses the coveted BMW PGA Championship title, the first-place prize money of over $1.4 million, and the invaluable Ryder Cup points and world ranking points that came with the win.
The European Tour has announced that the championship will now be awarded to the runner-up, Italy’s Francesco Molinari, who lost to Noren on the second playoff hole.
Noren’s management team has yet to release a formal statement, though sources indicate he is “devastated” and is considering an appeal. The scandal is set to dominate the golfing conversation for weeks to come, leaving a stain on one of the European Tour’s flagship events and the reputation of a previously respected veteran.
