Toms departs St Andrews after disqualifying himself

David Toms was today heading back to America after disqualifying himself from the Open championship.

Toms felt he may have hit a moving ball while holing out for a double-bogey six on the 17th hole of his first round 74 on Thursday.

The Ryder Cup star, who was playing with Colin Montgomerie and Paul Lawrie, said: “It was just one of those iffy areas about whether or not a rule was violated and I was the only one that saw it. I just felt it was better that I disqualified myself.”

Toms had been among the leaders after playing the first 10 holes of his round in three under par, but took a double-bogey six on the 13th and another on the 17th when the possible infringement occurred.

“I might have hit a moving ball when I went to tap-in,” added Toms, won won the 2001 USPGA title with the lowest ever score in major championship golf.

“I didn’t go through my normal routine and it happened so fast because it was for double bogey. It was just one of those things and I’m not sure exactly what happened.

“The more I thought about it there was too much uncertainty and thought it was better that I disqualified myself. I was probably the only one able to do that.

“It was a disappointing end to a disappointing day altogether but I had a great time here, what a great place to have a golf tournament. I’m looking forward to next year.”