Virginia Water, England (SportsNetwork.com) - The European Tour Disciplinary Panel handed Simon Dyson a suspended two-month ban and 30,000-pound fine on Thursday as discipline for the Englishman's rules violation at the BMW Masters in October.
During the second round of the BMW Masters on Oct. 25, Dyson tapped down a spike mark on the line of his putt on the eighth green at Lake Malaren Golf Club. A television viewer noticed the infraction and Dyson was subsequently disqualified for not adding the 2-shot penalty to his card.
On Thursday, a three-man panel determined that Dyson deliberately committed the infraction, with knowledge of Rule 16-1a of the Rules of Golf, which prohibits such an act.
Dyson will be allowed to continue playing on the European Tour under a suspended ban, which will last 18 months. If Dyson commits another rules breach during that time, his case will be referred back to the panel to determine if the two-month ban should immediately take effect. However, if Dyson does not commit a rules violation over the 18-month period, then the potential ban will be wiped away.
In addition to the 30,000-pound fine, Dyson will also have to pay 7,500 pounds towards the cost of his hearing. Both payments must be made within the next 56 days.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.