Frank Kennedy makes statement after shock DP World Tour Q-School disqualification

Frank Kennedy has responded after being disqualified from the final stage of DP World Tour Qualifying School, explaining his version of events and revealing he has requested a review of the decision.

The 21-year-old Englishman took to social media following his removal from the six-round tournament at Infinitum Golf Resort in Spain, disputing the suggestion that he deliberately damaged the 11th green.

The DP World Tour described the reason for his disqualification as "serious misconduct after causing deliberate damage to the course", although it has not publicly provided further details.

Kennedy, however, insists the contact with the putting surface was accidental and says he and his playing partner repaired the affected area immediately.

In a statement shared on social media, he said: "I am hugely disappointed to have been disqualified from the Final Stage of DP World Tour Qualifying School.

"Reports today say this was for deliberately damaging the course.

"I did not intentionally or deliberately damage the putting surface, and any comments saying otherwise are wholly incorrect."

Kennedy explained that the incident happened after he missed a birdie putt on the par-5 11th.

"On the 11th green I missed a birdie putt and tapped in. In frustration, as I was walking off the green, I swung my putter and it accidentally caught the surface.

"My playing partner and I repaired it straight away, and we were both satisfied it was properly fixed before we moved on. I should have called the referee to check the repair, and I've learned from that."

The Englishman also revealed that he has contacted the DP World Tour seeking clarification and a review of the decision.

While making clear that he would respect the outcome, Kennedy questioned whether the circumstances described in his statement warranted disqualification.

"I have always respected and followed the Rules of Golf. If accidental contact like this, repaired at once, is a disqualification offence, I will respect that. But it isn't clear to me that it is, and many senior players I've spoken to this evening were surprised by the decision.

"So I have asked the DP World Tour for clarification and a review, and I will respect the outcome of that review. While that happens, I won't be commenting further."

The incident was initially reported by American golf journalist Ryan French, better known as Monday Q Info, who shared details of the disqualification on social media.

In a statement confirmed by French, the DP World Tour acknowledged Kennedy had been disqualified for "serious misconduct after causing deliberate damage to the course".

French reported on X that he had been told Kennedy took a "large divot" out of the green at the par-5 11th.

Kennedy made par on the hole. His 3-under 69 also contained seven birdies, two bogeys and one double-bogey. 

"One player described it as 'a one-foot divot' about four feet behind the hole," French reported.

French added: "According to multiple people, Kennedy argued for a long time in scoring after being informed he was disqualified.

"On top of that, according to multiple people, Kennedy's dad, Simon, is looking to have the call reversed or an 'injunction' of some sort."

Here's the post from Monday Q Info:

Kennedy's removal came at a significant point in his bid to secure playing privileges for the 2027 DP World Tour season.

He was tied for 28th on 15-under par after 72 holes of the 108-hole tournament.

Only the top 15 players at the conclusion of the six rounds earn DP World Tour cards for next season.

His disqualification also affected the tournament standings, with the cut line moving from 12-under to 11-under, allowing seven additional players to progress to the final 36 holes.

Kennedy is regarded as one of England's promising young golfing talents.

He won the Lytham Trophy aged 17 in 2023 before reaching the semi-finals of the Amateur Championship later that summer.

After turning professional, he won the 2024 Euram Bank Open, becoming the third-youngest winner in HotelPlanner Tour history.

He spent the 2026 campaign competing on the HotelPlanner Tour, finishing 62nd in the season-long rankings and subsequently holding Category 8 status for 2027.

Kennedy is now awaiting a response to his request for clarification and a review. The DP World Tour's original decision remains in place, with any further developments yet to be confirmed.