Sandy Lyle''s decision to pull out of the Open Championship after just ten holes yesterday has been criticised by the Royal & Ancient (R&A) Club.
The 50-year-old Scot, who won the Open at Royal St George''s in 1985, opted to curtail his opening round after a series of dropped shots saw him reach the turn in 45.
R&A chief executive Peter Dawson later questioned Lyle''s conduct, despite the heavy wind and rain making parts of the Royal Birkdale course almost unplayable for those who teed off during the morning.
"It is disappointing - I have to say professional golfers should complete a round. That is what they are paid to do," Mr Dawson said.
Explaining his decision, Lyle told reporters: "I just couldn''t score and I couldn''t swing the golf club in the end. I just thought I was doing myself more harm than good."
Several older players managed to post good scores despite the weather, with five-time winner Tom Watson carding a four-over-par 74, while Australian veteran Greg Norman finished one shot off the lead on level par.
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