OFFICIAL CONFIRMED: PGA Imposes Major Penalty on Jhonattan Vegas After Rory McIlroy’s Cheating Accusation at 2025 PGA Championship

The 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been thrust into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, as the PGA of America announced a significant penalty against first-round leader Jhonattan Vegas following an investigation into cheating allegations raised by Rory McIlroy. The controversy, which erupted after Vegas’ stunning 7-under-par 64 on Thursday, May 15, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the golfing world, tarnishing what was poised to be a historic moment for the Venezuelan golfer.

Vegas, a 40-year-old four-time PGA TOUR winner, seized the solo lead after a blistering finish, birdieing five of his final six holes, including an 18-footer on the par-3 8th and a 25-footer on the par-4 9th, to post his best-ever major round. However, McIlroy, the world No. 2 and recent Masters champion, who struggled to a 3-over-par 74, publicly accused Vegas of cheating, specifically citing an improper drop on the par-4 16th hole, part of Quail Hollow’s infamous “Green Mile.” McIlroy’s allegations, first reported via a post on X by @GolfInsider, claimed that Vegas’ ball, which landed in a penalty area, was dropped closer to the green than permitted, potentially saving him a stroke. “The rules are the backbone of this game,” McIlroy told ESPN post-round. “What I saw on 16 raises serious questions, and I hope the officials look into it.”

Following McIlroy’s comments, the PGA of America launched an expedited investigation, reviewing video footage, player testimonies, and on-course official reports. On Friday, May 16, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. ET, the PGA announced that Vegas had indeed violated Rule 14.2 of the Rules of Golf, which governs proper drop procedures. The official statement confirmed that Vegas’ drop on the 16th was taken at a point “materially closer to the hole than the estimated point where the ball last crossed the edge of the penalty area,” resulting in a two-stroke penalty. This adjustment changed Vegas’ score on the 16th from a par to a double bogey, revising his first-round total from 7-under 64 to 5-under 66, dropping him into a tie for second with Cam Davis and Ryan Gerard, behind new leader Tom Kim, who maintained his 5-under 66 with an eagle chip-in on the 15th.

The penalty has dramatically altered the leaderboard as the second round progresses. Vegas, who teed off at 9:06 a.m. ET on Friday, now faces increased pressure to maintain his contention under the weight of the controversy. In a press conference following the announcement, Vegas expressed disappointment but accepted the ruling. “I respect the rules of golf and the PGA’s decision,” he said, as reported by NBC Sports. “I thought I followed the procedure correctly, but the evidence showed otherwise. My focus now is to keep playing my game.” Vegas, who has never finished in the top 20 in a major, emphasized his intent to move forward, noting his career-best major round was a result of patience and strong putting, with nine birdies against two bogeys before the penalty.

McIlroy’s accusation has sparked a polarized reaction. Some fans and analysts, including @GolfRulesGuru on X, praised McIlroy for upholding the game’s integrity, arguing that his stature as a four-time major champion lends credibility to his claims. “Rory’s right to call this out—golf is built on honesty,” the post read. Others, however, accused McIlroy of deflecting from his own poor performance, with @FairwayFanatic writing, “Rory’s 10 shots back and throwing shade at Vegas? Sounds like frustration talking.” The controversy echoes McIlroy’s own brush with a rules dispute at The Players Championship 2024, where he was scrutinized for a drop on the 7th hole, fueling accusations of hypocrisy from some quarters.

The incident on the 16th, a 508-yard par-4, was particularly contentious due to the hole’s difficulty. McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Xander Schauffele, who played in the same group, all carded double bogeys after their tee shots found trouble—McIlroy’s in long grass, Scheffler and Schauffele’s in water. The trio’s struggles, compounded by the PGA’s decision not to allow preferred lies despite muddy conditions, led to broader frustration. Scheffler, who shot a 2-under 69, and Schauffele, at 1-over 72, also voiced concerns about inconsistent rulings, though they refrained from directly addressing Vegas’ case.

The PGA’s swift action contrasts with past cheating scandals, such as the 2023 PGA Tour Canada incident involving Justin Doeden, who admitted to falsifying a scorecard and faced no immediate penalty due to his confession. Historical cases, like Arnold Palmer’s disputed drop at the 1958 Masters, as recounted by Ken Venturi, highlight golf’s complex relationship with rules enforcement. The Vegas penalty, however, underscores the PGA’s commitment to transparency in a high-stakes major.

As the second round unfolds, the leaderboard remains fluid. Tom Kim, with his flair for dramatic shots, leads at 5-under, while Scottie Scheffler (-2, T20), Justin Thomas (-2, T20), and Bryson DeChambeau (even par, T48) are among those chasing. McIlroy, teeing off at 6:47 p.m. ET, faces a steep challenge to make the cut, projected at +2. The penalty’s impact on Vegas’ mental game and the ongoing debate over McIlroy’s motives will dominate discussions, ensuring that the 107th PGA Championship remains as much about drama as it is about golf.