John Daly Accuses Amateur Mason Howell of Cheating with “Secret Device” at U.S. Amateur, Blasts Officials

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**CHEVY CHASE, MD —** The typically staid and tradition-bound world of amateur golf was rocked by a seismic scandal on Thursday after two-time major champion John Daly launched explosive allegations against amateur golfer Mason Howell, accusing him of using a hidden electronic device to gain an illegal advantage during the U.S. Amateur Championship at Columbia Country Club. In a series of social media posts and a subsequent phone interview, Daly further alleged that tournament officials knowingly overlooked the violation, igniting a firestorm of controversy.

The incident, according to Daly, occurred during Howell’s tightly contested quarterfinal match against opponent Jackson Rivers. Daly, who was following the group as a spectator, claims he observed Howell frequently reaching into his pocket before crucial shots. Daly alleges that Howell was not consulting a simple yardage book but was using a compact electronic device capable of providing detailed wind and slope data—features strictly prohibited under Rule 4.3 of the Rules of Golf.

“The kid had a little gizmo in his pocket, a digital thingamajig,” Daly stated in a gravelly-voiced video posted to his X (formerly Twitter) account, which has since gone viral. “He’d pull it out, look at it, get his number, and then hit a perfect shot every dang time. It’s cheating, plain and simple. And the worst part? The USGA guys walking with the group saw it. I pointed it out, and they did nothing. Absolutely nothing. It’s a disgrace to the game.”

The United States Golf Association (USGA), which governs the U.S. Amateur, has issued a brief statement in response to the allegations: “The USGA is aware of the serious allegations made regarding a potential rules infraction during today’s quarterfinal round. We take the integrity of our championships with the utmost seriousness. Our officials on site conducted a review based on the information available at the time and found no evidence to support a breach of the rules. A full and formal investigation is now underway.”

Howell, a 22-year-old senior and standout golfer for a major university, vehemently denied the accusations. Through his college coach, he released a statement: “I have never cheated at golf. I respect this game and the U.S. Amateur championship too much. The only thing in my pocket was my yardage book and a lucky coin from my grandfather. I am fully cooperating with the USGA’s investigation and am confident my name will be cleared.”

The golf world has reacted with a mixture of shock and skepticism. While Daly’s outspoken nature and past controversies lead some to question his credibility, the sheer gravity of the accusation has demanded attention.

“Whether it’s true or not, an allegation like this from a well-known figure forces an investigation,” said a former USGA rules official who asked to remain anonymous. “The key will be evidence. Did anyone else see it? Is there video? Without concrete proof, it becomes a case of his word against theirs.”

The implications are immense. If Daly’s claims are substantiated, Mason Howell could face disqualification, the loss of his amateur status, and a permanent stain on his reputation. For the USGA, it would represent a catastrophic failure of officiating at its flagship amateur event. For John Daly, it is either a courageous stand for the game’s integrity or a reckless defamation of a young amateur.

For now, the championship continues, but it is now shrouded in a cloud of suspicion, with the golf world waiting anxiously for the USGA’s next move.