Honest J.P. Hayes deserves kudos (and a little kidding)

Can you imagine the temptation? Here was J.P. Hayes, cruising along on his way to the finals of qualifying school, en route to securing a full-time spot on the PGA Tour, and all he had to do was ignore his conscience.

Heck, he’d already assessed himself a two-stroke penalty for having switched the model of his ball in the middle of the round last week at the Deerwood Club in Kingwood, Texas. But later that night, it dawned on Hayes that the Titleist ball his caddie had tossed him was a prototype not on the USGA approved list.

Does he turn himself in? Or conveniently forget?

Hayes said there wasn’t even a debate in his mind. He was disqualified, and now he’s looking at being eligible for eight to 12 tournaments instead of a full schedule - probably a high six-figure cut in pay.

Of course, Hayes did the right thing. But it’s astounding how careless his mistake was. In a sport where players are so meticulous, you’d be amazed at how many guys on the PGA Tour don’t know the rules or make stupid gaffes that could potentially cost them strokes.

Sure, it was an honest error. Still, what was an unapproved prototype ball even doing in his bag? It’s almost like failing to count your clubs, then suddenly realizing on the fifth tee that there are 15 in the bag.

Hayes likely will receive plenty of goodwill for his decision. His phone will probably ring off the hook with offers for sponsor exemptions.

I know I’d give him a call.

Then I’d give him a dozen, approved Titleists and teasingly insist no other ball goes in his bag.