It sure LOOKS like pro golfer Patrick Reed cheated his ass off on a hole Tiger Woods' big Hero World Challenge tourney on Friday ... but Reed insists he's INNOCENT!!!
Here's the deal ... Reed was caught in a sand trap on the 11th hole -- and during a practice swing, he appeared to use his club to knock away a clump of sand behind the ball, setting him up for a cleaner shot.
The problem ... YOU CAN'T DO THAT!!!
Tournament officials hit Reed with a 2 stroke penalty which is a big deal -- he's currently in 6th place .