Hiding Integrity in Plain Sight

While professional golfer, Cam Young was assessing his shot from the second fairway at the 2026 Cadillac Championship, he noticed what no one else did: his ball moved. The 28-year-old called over an official to let them know that while he set his club down, the ball appeared to move ever so slightly. Under the Rules of Golf, if you cause your ball at rest to move, it's a one-stroke penalty.

Even with cameras, fans, officials and fellow players watching every detail of every shot, the only person who saw any sign of interference was the person with millions of dollars on the line. Often called the "gentleman's game," golf is rooted in integrity, etiquette and self-regulation. Had he said nothing, Young could have played on. Instead, he did what he thought was right and penalized himself.

After the round, he said:

"Your heart sinks when you see it move, but it moved, and that's part of what golf's about. There's no one who's going to give me a penalty there but myself."

By definition, to live a life of integrity is to adhere to moral and ethical principles. It's doing the right thing because it's right, not because others are watching. Do it enough and you'll reach the other definition of integrity: "the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished."

Young went on to win the Cadillac Championship, penalty and all. Had he lost by one shot, I truly believe he would have taken solace in knowing he stayed true to who he was: a good guy.

I love watching golf for stories like this. It's nice to see good guys win, too.