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Professional golfer Brian Davis provided the world a significant, even inspirational lesson in honesty at the conclusion of a recent PGA tournament in South Carolina.
In a playoff for the tournament title with fellow golfer Jim Furyk, Davis' second shot veered left onto a beach next to the green. In his next effort to hit the ball onto the green, the British journeyman golfer sensed he had violated a basic rule of golf - his club on the backswing brushed a reed that was sticking out, defined in golf as a loose impediment.
No other person saw it. No one called him on it. But as a professional in a sport that referees itself, he knew he had violated a rule. A television replay in ultra slow motion confirmed what he had sensed. Davis imposed a two-stroke penalty on himself, which meant he wouldn't win the championship with its million dollar prize.
"I couldn't live with myself if I didn't call that penalty," Davis is quoted as saying afterwards. "I know I did it."
Such honesty is notable in a world where basic ethical and moral standards are often compromised with impunity. KSL believes Brian Davis has provided a lesson worthy of widespread reflection, introspection, and discussion.
