Jamie Spence, chairman of the European Tour's tournament committee, has disqualified himself from the Irish Open for an incorrect score. The 41-year-old from Tunbridge, playing on an invitation after losing his Tour card last year, signed for a 75 but actually took 76.
He bogeyed the short seventh but his marker put him down for a par three and he did not realise until later.
"I'm a silly idiot for not checking the card closer. What a plonker," he said.
"Having dinner last night Roger Chapman mentioned I was down for a 75. I called the Tour and went through my card. It's the first time I've done that."
Spence, an Arsenal fan, will now be taking one of his two sons to the FA Cup final against Manchester United in Cardiff.
"I've missed our last two finals because I was playing, so I guess out of darkness shineth light," he said.
"But trust me - I'd rather be still in the tournament."
Spence is 127th on the Order of Merit and only the top 115 at the end of the season earn cards for next year.
Christopher Hanell, the 2004 Madeira Island Open champion, was also disqualified for playing his ball from an incorrect position on the 10th hole on Thursday.
The Swede would have had a tough job to make the cut, however, having carded an 80.
MMIX
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