Sydney-based tour pro John Lyras has seen his Korn Ferry Tour debut cut short today in the worst fashion possible way: a rules-based disqualification after an error on the first hole of the Bahamas Great Exuma Classic.
As reported by Ryan French of Monday Q Info, Lyras thought his approach shot to the first green at Sandals Emerald Bay Golf Club had found a penalty area so dropped another ball under penalty. When his player partners signalled that his original ball was in fact in play, Lyras picked up his dropped ball and played the original. However, once a ball is dropped – even in error – it becomes the ball in play. That’s where Lyras erred.
As Monday Q Info reported, the incident confused even the rules officials on the US secondary tour, Lyras playing the rest of the back nine (the incorrect drop happened on the course’s 10th hole) before the DQ was confirmed.
Lyras’ disqualification stands to be even more costly: as he has only conditional status after falling one stroke short of guaranteed starts at Q-School, he is currently 11 spots away from securing a start at next week’s tournament, which is also played in the Bahamas.
“I’m not really sure what to do right now,” Lyras told Monday Q Info. He booked a flight to his US home in Orlando but seemed unsure if that was the right decision. With conditional PGA Tour members in next week’s KFT event, and the possibility they move into the American Express field on the main circuit, Lyras is considering staying in the Bahamas in the hope he moves up the KFT alternate list.
Additionally, Lyras forked out thousands of dollars to essentially play one hole. And to make matters worse, he played the rest of the nine in three-under par before he was officially rubbed out of the tournament.
“Amazing what happens when you’re super excited and anxious all together,” Lyras said in an Instagram post. “You make stupid and quick decisions that can cost you so much, everything you worked for.”
