Tour pro after DQ in first event of the season: "Embarrassed and ashamed"

Korn Ferry Tour pro John Lyras has apologised for 'damaging the integrity of the game' after he was disqualified during the first event of the season. 

Lyras was in the field at The Bahamas Great Exuma Classic as the PGA Tour's official feeder kicked off their 2024 campaign. 

The top 30 players after the 26-event season comes to a conclusion will get a golden ticket to the PGA Tour. 

Lyras said in his apology having a crack at making it to the big-time led to his 'stupid', costly decision. 

So what happened?

Lyras started on the 10th hole at the Emerald Reef Course in Sandals Emerald Bay. 

He thought he hit his second shot into the penalty area next to the right hand side of the green. 

Per the rules of golf, Lyras dropped in front of the water. 

But before he played a stroke, he was informed by his two playing partners that his ball, in fact, was in play. 

Lyras then picked up his golf ball he had dropped and completed the hole with his original ball. 

That was the problem. 

Once a ball is dropped, it becomes the ball in play. 

Per Ryan French aka MondayQInfo on X, it wasn't initially clear whether Lyras had fallen foul of the rules. 

Lyras carried on but was later informed he was booted out of the tournament. 

He took to Instagram to apologise to his fellow competitors, rules officials and the Korn Ferry Tour.

"Incredibly disappointed, embarrassed and ashamed at my DQ today," he wrote.  

"Pure rookie mistake. Amazing what happens when you're super excited and anxious all together.

"You make stupid and quick decisions that can cost you so much, everything you work for.

"To all the players and rules officials at the @kornferrytour today in Exuma, I apologise for damaging the integrity of the game."

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