After BMW DQ, Marcel Siem Hits Social Media to Insist He Did Not Cheat

Marcel Siem has revealed what truly led to his disqualification at the DP World Tour’s BMW PGA Championship, insisting that he did not cheat. The 44-year-old German took to social media to defend himself after a bizarre rules incident on the 18th hole ended his tournament.

Siem Explains Incident That Led To His Disqualification

Siem’s week at Wentworth Club came to an abrupt and painful end after officials ruled he had broken the Rules of Golf. The moment unfolded in dramatic fashion on the final hole of his opening round. Siem’s drive veered right off the tee, and he believed the ball had gone out of bounds. Following proper procedure, he hit a provisional ball from the tee.

Things became complicated when a spectator later found his original ball. Instead of being out of bounds as Siem had thought, it was sitting just inside a water hazard. At that point, Siem made a mistake that ultimately cost him his place in the championship. He declared the original ball “unplayable,” picked it up, and chose to continue playing with his provisional ball.

“The ball was underneath the branch, couldn’t chip it out,” Siem revealed. “I said, OK, this is unplayable. Picked the ball up, and then just stupidly hit my fourth shot,” he said. “Just kept going, made birdie with my second ball, so to say, made a bogey.”

By the letter of the rules, that decision was not allowed. When a player’s original ball is found in play, they must abandon the provisional ball and continue with the original. By carrying on with the provisional, Siem had breached Rule 27-2c, leading to automatic disqualification.

Siem Says Disqualification Was “Upsetting”

Siem only realized what had happened when he reached the scorer’s tent after the round. Instead of turning a blind eye, he immediately explained the situation to tournament officials. The ruling left him no choice but to accept the disqualification.

“I was just about to sign my card, and I just realized something is off here. ‘Guys, I don’t think I made a 6, let’s call a referee,’” the six-time European Tour winner explained. “I said, dude, I think I made a mistake here, right? I’m supposed to go back to the 18th tee box and play my third shot, right? Because it’s water hazard, and if I declared as unplayable, I have to go back, and I cannot hit my provisional ball. So that was the case, so I’m disqualified because of that. Strange two weeks, very upsetting. It is what it is, guys. I just wanted to tell you what happened.

“Sometimes you can’t explain things in life. All good. Have a lovely evening,” he added.

Siem’s candid response on social media and his willingness to clarify the misunderstanding highlight his integrity as a professional golfer. While the disqualification was a setback, his transparency and sportsmanship have earned him respect from fans and peers, reinforcing that even seasoned players can make honest mistakes under pressure.