Golfer chooses honesty over possible Tour card

I'm not a golf fan, however, I did find this very interesting.  How refreshing to see someone in a professional sport actually act like a professional.  Bravo and God bless you.  Enjoy the time you have with your family, Mr. Hayes. 

I want this man in Washington ! WOW. What a breath of fresh air. Mr. Hayes, thank you for your honesty. You are a great sportsman and an excellent role model for all of us and our young children. Once again thank you.

Integrity still matters, and despite what you hear and read, I believe there are many athletes, CEOs, politicians, etc. who set this same type of example. JB Hayes just made my day.

Admirable, Decent, Honest and a credit to himself, his family, friends, fans and the Golf World.  Too bad this won't make the same headlines that some of the more deplorable actions of athletes in other sports would. 

This is what golf is all about.

While we all know Mr. Hayes did the right thing as a concept.  I think it important to remember that by following the rules - and costing him money - he has placed honor and integrity at the top of his priority list in life.  If he is right in stating that any golfer would do the same thing, we should all start and/or continue to play as much golf as possible.

Finally, an honest athlete!  After hearing so much about athletes that will do anything to win, this is refreshing.

Have you ever seen a basketball player or football tell the ref, 'Hey ref, I committed that foul or don't count the touchdown, I didn't really have control of the ball?'  Not really.   I don't even do this most of the time.  I have on a few occasion given money back if a vendor gave me too much change but most of the time, I think most of us would just forge forward.  So this is good.  Good Karma!

As one man said already...get this guy to Washington! Quickly!! I've only recently learned to appreciate golf for many reasons and the integrity of the players is one of them. If all athletes played this way I wouldn't have to temper my children's sports hero worship with gentle lectures about their missteps, and misbehavoirs that they should have know better about. A shining example of sportsmanship,

Golf is one of those cool sports where you hear stories like this on a not too irregular basis.  It (and oddly enough, Ultimate Frisbee) are self-officiated; sure some people in both sports will be dishonest but a refreshing number of players will be very forthright and will penalize themselves.  

It is a part of the game and shows respect for yourself, your fellow players, and the sport.

To answer Mike's question; yes, if I knew I had broken a rule, even unintentionally, I would turn myself in.  What is amazing to me is that these players can memorize the labrinthine rule book that is golfs accords.  

Wow, this is wonderful, someone actually taking responsiblity for his own actions and not blaming the caddie. He has taken such a positive look at the situation. I hope we who have read this, take the time to understand that honor and personal character cannot be bought or sold. What a great country and what a great people. His blessings are about to multiple more than he could even begin to image. A lesson for a lifetime.

Thank you Mr. Hayes.

Hooray for this man!  His family and friends can be truly proud.  If only all people would do the same in all areas of life.

Truly a man of character.  His truthfulness and integrity should get him plenty of sponsor exemptions.  Also the fact that he took full responsibility and wouldn't even let them try and blame his caddy shows true class.  Now if we could get liberals to act like this and teach this stuff in their courses when they are teachers, maybe we would see a better class of people in politics.

JP will be playing in 2009, though he will have to rely upon sponsor exemptions to do so.  I am sure many tournaments will step up to the plate and ensure this guy is a part of their event.

It should renew our faith in people doing the right thing.  I am sure JP wakes up each morning and likes what he sees in the mirror..and honest man with integrity.  His parents should be proud.

If there were EVER a reason for sponsors to go out of their way to use an exemption for a player, this is it.

If I was a sponsor's marketing director, I'd be talking the ear off about getting him an exemption, promoting the fact and linking that sort of honesty with MY company.

Tell me there's a marketing guy out there that sees this as clearly as I do.