Marcel Siem arrived at Wentworth Club for the BMW PGA Championship hoping for a rebound. Just a week earlier, he had been forced to withdraw from the Irish Open’s opening round due to a bad back. So, the flagship DP World Tour event, held from September 11 to 14, 2025, and boasting a $9 million purse, seemed like the perfect place to reset. The first round, however, became a completely different obstacle for the golfer.

On Instagram, Siem shared a video and elaborated in-depth on the situation, “Hey guys, I just wanted to give you a quick insight what happened today. I just want to let you know I didn’t cheat I would never do that. So I got disqualified Unfortunately on 18, I pushed my driver to the right Hit a provisional thinking it’s out of bounds on the right Never knew that it’s water hazard on the right.” Rules official Mark Litton confirmed what Siem suspected: because his original ball was in a water hazard and he declared it unplayable, he needed to return to the 18th tee to play his third shot. Playing the provisional was not allowed.

This created a lot of confusion as Siem described what followed: “Anyways, found my provisional. I was just about to hit my provisional, so my fourth shot so to say. And one of the spectators found my ball, my first one. I walked in there, like tired of the whole day already. And the ball was underneath the branch, couldn’t chip it out. I said, okay, this is unplayable, picked the ball up. And then just stupidly hit my fourth shot. Just kept going and made birdie with my second ball so to say and made a bogey. Then we went into the scoring area, signed—I was just about to sign my card and I just realized something is off here. Guys, I don’t think I made a six. Let’s call a referee.”

He further added, “I’m supposed to go back to the 18’s 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.”

What Mark Litton insisted on was: under the Rules of Golf, specifically Rule 18.3c(3), “if a player believes their ball may be lost outside a water hazard or out of bounds, they are permitted to play a provisional ball. However, if the original ball is found within the five-minute search period, the provisional ball must be abandoned, and the original ball must be played as it lies.” In Siem’s case, he mistakenly played a provisional ball after hitting his tee shot into what he thought was out of bounds. Upon finding his original ball in a water hazard, he should have abandoned the provisional and proceeded under the water hazard relief options, as outlined in Rule 17. By continuing with the provisional, he violated the rules, leading to his disqualification. This made it quite a tough two weeks for the golfer.

Before the BMW PGA Championship, Siem faced another challenge at the Irish Open, where he was forced to withdraw from the opening round due to a back injury. This setback added to the pressure leading into the BMW PGA Championship. This might be a bigger issue for the golfer, as he had reportedly suffered from backaches in 2023 as well. Despite these challenges, Siem’s resilience and commitment to the game remain evident, as he continues to compete at the highest levels.

During the first round, Marcel Siem pushed his drive on the 18th hole to the right and, thinking it might be out of bounds, played a provisional ball; when a spectator later located his original ball in a water hazard, Siem, tired and assuming it was unplayable, mistakenly continued with the provisional.

At the end of the video, Siem thanked his fans and vowed to bounce back at next week’s Open de France.

Marcel Siem’s commitment to the principles of golf is well-documented. Beyond his six DP World Tour victories, Siem has consistently demonstrated sportsmanship and respect for the game. His decision to self-report the error during the BMW PGA Championship, despite the potential for a respectable score, underscores his integrity. This aligns with his previous actions, such as his candid discussions about challenges faced during tournaments, further solidifying his reputation as a player who upholds the values of honesty and fairness.

Even the outpouring of support for Marcel Siem was immediate after he posted his detailed Instagram reel explaining the misstep that led to his disqualification from the event. Their words captured both sympathy for a tough fortnight and admiration for the honesty that defines Siem’s career.

Fans show respect and support for Marcel Siem

Marcel Siem, the German veteran whose career boasts six DP World Tour victories, including the 2013 Trophée Hassan II, 2014 BMW Masters, 2023 Hero Indian Open, and 2024 Italian Open, along with team titles at the 2006 World Cup of Golf and 2012 Royal Trophy, has long been admired for both grit and sportsmanship. Fans recognized the history of that integrity.

Those titles, along with his early representation of Germany in the Eisenhower Trophy and a win at the European Boys’ Team Championship, gave weight to one fan’s reassurance: “These things happen, we are still here for you 🙌🏻🏴.” The comment resonated because a player with such a decorated resume is judged as much by character as by score.

Another follower applauded his transparency, writing, “Classy to take the time to explain it fully. Well done Marcel,” a sentiment reinforced by the fact that he voluntarily called a referee before signing what would have been a first-round 78. A third added, “Top lad … true professional … 👌 mistakes happen to the best …,” a reminder that even champions like Siem, who has won on both the DP World Tour and the Challenge Tour with his 2021 Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge title, can be tripped up by golf’s complex rules.

One fan brought up a similar situation which had happened to Shane Lowry, “Was the ball@found before the 3 minutes? Think it happened to Lowry at the Open last year also where a spectator found his ball when it was unplayable….”

A comparable situation occurred during the 2024 Open Championship when Shane Lowry faced a lengthy ruling after a spectator found his ball in thick gorse bushes. Lowry had hit a provisional ball, believing his original was lost. However, upon discovering the original ball, he was required to abandon the provisional and proceed with the original ball, as per Rule 18.3c(3). This incident highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of the rules regarding provisional balls and their interaction with water hazards.

Sky Sports analyst Inci Mehmet shared her own reaction, “Absolutely gutted for you Marcel, sorry to hear this!” While another supporter summed up the prevailing view: “A true professional—honesty and integrity to be admired.” These comments underscored that Siem’s reputation extends far beyond a single disqualification. By openly acknowledging his mistake during a week that followed a back-related withdrawal from the Irish Open, he reinforced the values that have defined his 20-plus-year career: perseverance, sportsmanship, and an unwavering respect for the game that has brought him six DP World Tour titles and international team glory.