Matt Gogel, a golfer on the PGA Tour Champions circuit, received a six-month suspension from the organization for placing bets on PGA Tour events. In his statement, Gogel explained that he placed small recreational wagers on golf in 2024 without realizing it. He emphasized that these bets were not placed on regular PGA Tour events, PGA Tour Champions events, or tournaments he participated in.

Gogel stated, “I want to be clear that these wagers were not placed on regular PGA Tour events, PGA Tour Champions events or any tournament in which I participated.” He added, “I would never knowingly violate the integrity of the game of golf. I made an honest mistake, and I look forward to playing in 2027 on the PGA Tour Champions.”

Gogel’s suspension commences on Sunday and will last until February 22, 2027. Although he did not bet on tournaments where he competed, he breached the Tour’s integrity program, which prohibits wagering on PGA-sanctioned events.

Gogel’s case is not unique. Previously, Vince India and Jake Staiano from the Korn Ferry Tour faced suspensions for similar offenses, with India being suspended for six months and Staiano for three months in 2023.

Gogel, 55, had one PGA Tour win in his career, occurring at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in 2002. Following his initial career on Tour, he transitioned to golf broadcasting, working with The Golf Channel and CBS Sports. At age 50, he joined the PGA Tour Champions, the senior division of the golf organization.

Currently, Gogel ranks 20th in the Charles Schwab Cup points standings. His focus is on returning to the game after the suspension.