The DP World Tour disqualified 21-year-old golfer Frank Kennedy for serious misconduct during the fourth round of its final stage of Q-School, Golf Channel reported.
Officials stated that the Manchester, England native caused deliberate damage to the course at Infinitum Golf’s Hills Course.
Kennedy was tied for 28th at 15 under par through 72 holes when the disqualification was issued. Monday Q Info’s Ryan French reported that witnesses saw Kennedy take a one-foot divot out of the 11th green. French added that Kennedy argued extensively with officials in the scoring area after receiving the penalty.
Kennedy posted a statement on Instagram on Monday evening after Golf Channel reached out for comment. He confirmed he damaged the putting surface during a moment of frustration but denied any intent.
I did not intentionally or deliberately damage the putting surface, and any comments saying otherwise are wholly incorrect,
Kennedy wrote on Instagram. He explained that after missing a birdie putt and tapping in on the par-5 11th hole, he swung his putter in frustration as he walked off.
My playing partner and I repaired it straight away, and we were both satisfied it was properly fixed before we moved on. I should have called a referee to check the repair, and I’ve learned from that,
Kennedy stated. He confirmed he has asked the DP World Tour for clarification and a formal review of the decision.
Kennedy shot a 3-under 69 with seven birdies before being disqualified. His removal shifted the tournament cut line from 12 under to 11 under par.
The adjusted cut kept tournament hopes alive for seven players: Luis Masaveu, Jerry Ji, Lukas Boandl, Haydn Barron, Jesper Sandborg, Antoine Pouguet, and Philipp Katich. The top 60 players and ties advanced past the fourth round to the final 36 holes of the 108-hole event.
Breaking: According to multiple people Frank Kennedy, who had a decorated Amateur career in Europe, and won on the Challenge Tour at 18, has been disqualified from Q-school while in contention (he was -15 thru 4 rounds) for damaging a green. According to multiple people…
Italy’s Matteo Cristoni leads the final stage at 24 under par. He sits one shot ahead of Josele Ballester and Marcus Helligkilde.
The top 15 players and ties at the end of the week will earn DP World Tour cards via Category 18. Players completing all 108 holes will earn status on the HotelPlanner Tour.
The incident happened on the par-5 11th hole at Infinitum Golf’s Hills Course. Frank Kennedy parred the hole before double-bogeying the 12th.
Kennedy won the 2023 Lytham Trophy as an amateur and reached the semifinals of the British Amateur that summer. He turned professional later that year and won the Euram Bank Open two years ago.
Italy’s Matteo Cristoni leads the tournament at 24 under par. He holds a one-shot advantage over Josele Ballester and Marcus Helligkilde.