Frank Kennedy, a 21-year-old English pro, found out the hard way on Monday that the DP World Tour will not tolerate damage to the putting surface. After allegedly removing a one-foot divot from the 11th green at Infinitum Golf in Spain, officials disqualified him from the Final Stage of Qualifying School.
Kennedy claims the damage was not intentional. He told the world on Instagram that he missed a birdie putt and swung his club in frustration, noting that the putter “accidentally caught the surface.” He insists he did not mean to hurt the green and that his playing partner helped fix it right away. “I am hugely disappointed to have been disqualified …” Kennedy wrote, according to a report. He added that reports claiming he damaged the course on purpose are “wholly incorrect.” The young golfer admitted he should have called a referee to check the repair before moving on, but he argues that accidental contact should not cost him his entire tournament.
The Rules Do Not Care About Feelings
While Kennedy says he learned a lesson, the rules of golf are strict about who fixes what and when. The DP World Tour confirmed to Monday Q Info that the disqualification was necessary because the damage was deemed deliberate. The top 15 players and ties will earn DPWT cards for 2027, a prize Kennedy now misses.
If players can damage greens and claim it was an accident without consequence, the rules become meaningless. The tournament officials saw a player swing a club and hit the green, causing a visible divot. They decided that the act was egregious enough to end his run. Kennedy stated he would respect the outcome of a review, but the initial ruling stands firm.
Accidents Happen, But Consequences Remain
Kennedy shot a 69 in the fourth round and was in position to make the cut before the DQ. Even if the damage was not meant to be malicious, the result was the same: a ruined putting surface and a disqualified player.
After posting a 69 in the fourth round, Kennedy tied for the final spot in the top 60 to play the last two rounds. His DQ shifted the cut line from 12 under to 11 under, causing seven players who would have been eliminated to survive instead. DPWT cards for 2027 will be awarded to the top 15 players and ties.
