Frank Kennedy responds to Rory McIlroy after Q-School disqualification decision is upheld

Frank Kennedy has issued another statement after his disqualification from the final stage of DP World Tour Q-School was upheld, addressing Rory McIlroy's comments and clarifying exactly what happened during the controversial incident.

The 21-year-old was left disappointed after meeting with Tour officials on Tuesday morning, with the decision to disqualify him from the six-round qualifying marathon in Spain remaining unchanged.

Kennedy had been in a promising position to secure one of the 15 DP World Tour cards available at Infinitum Resort before his campaign came to an abrupt end following an incident on the 11th hole of the Hills Course.

• Frank Kennedy DQ'd after damaging green at DPWT Q-School

The Manchester youngster was deemed guilty of serious misconduct after missing a birdie putt and subsequently swinging his putter, making contact with the putting surface as he walked towards the next hole.

However, Kennedy has now moved to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident, insisting that he never intended to damage the green.

"This morning I met Tour officials at the course, and my disqualification from Q-School was upheld," Kennedy wrote in a statement shared on social media.

The youngster also addressed comments made by McIlroy during the Northern Irishman's press conference ahead of this week's DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

McIlroy had described Kennedy's disqualification as seemingly "harsh", although he also welcomed the authorities' efforts to crack down on unacceptable behaviour on the golf course.

Kennedy appears to agree with that sentiment.

"I agree with Rory McIlroy. Golf is right to crack down on poor behaviour, and I fully accept my punishment," he added.

However, the 21-year-old was keen to make two things clear about the incident, particularly regarding suggestions about the extent of the damage caused.

"There are two things I want to clarify, unequivocally, because it matters to the people who know me. I did not flick my putter with any intention of damaging the putting surface, and there was no foot-long divot."

Kennedy admitted that he had accidentally caused damage after missing his birdie attempt, but insisted that the mark was considerably smaller than some reports had suggested.

"That aside, after missing a birdie putt on the 11th, I accidentally caused a four-inch graze. It's my fault and my fault alone.

"The officials showed me a photograph of the mark this morning. It was as I remembered, and I repaired it straight away."

The youngster also referenced his relationship with two respected figures in golf, Brad Faxon and renowned instructor Jim McLean, explaining why the suggestion that he deliberately damaged the green was particularly difficult for him.

"I'm lucky to have established figures in the game as mentors and friends, people like Brad Faxon and the great Jim McLean. I couldn't look them in the face if I had deliberately damaged a green. I did not.

"But I did show frustration and temper, and I'm hugely disappointed in myself. It has been a significant life lesson."

Kennedy concluded by promising to learn from the experience, confirming that he would not be making any further public comments on the matter.

"From now on, I will work every day to make sure my golf is the only story.

"Thank you to everyone who has supported me. This will be my final statement on the matter. Now it's time to rest, refocus and go hard again."

Read Kennedy's final statement here: 

What did Rory McIlroy say about Frank Kennedy's disqualification?

McIlroy was asked about the controversy during his pre-tournament press conference ahead of the DP World Tour Championship, admitting that he felt the decision was unfortunate.

"I think [it was] very unfortunate," the six-time major champion told reporters at Jumeirah Golf Estates. 

"It seems harsh but at the same time, I think it's good that golf and the authorities are cracking down on things like this.

"It's an unbelievably unfortunate incident."

McIlroy's comments come amid a wider push from golf's governing bodies to tackle misconduct and temper tantrums on the course.

Several high-profile incidents have attracted attention during the majors this season, with players increasingly being reminded that their behaviour is subject to scrutiny.

Joaquin Niemann became a particularly notable example after receiving a rare two-shot penalty at the US Open following an angry outburst that involved kicking a volunteer's marker flag and throwing his wedge towards the gallery.

Elsewhere, Sergio Garcia and Robert MacIntyre were reprimanded following separate incidents at the Masters, while Jon Rahm also received a warning after throwing his club in frustration at The Open.

McIlroy himself admitted that he has not always been immune to losing his temper during his career.

The Northern Irishman famously threw his 3-iron into a lake at the 2015 WGC-Cadillac Championship, while an image of his torn golf shirt following a frustrating finish at the 2021 DP World Tour Championship also became a talking point.

Reflecting on his own experiences, McIlroy explained that having his close friend Harry Diamond as his caddie has helped him maintain a calmer approach.

"I still have my moments where I'm maybe not proud of some of the things that I do on the golf course in anger or if I've hit a bad shot," McIlroy admitted.

"But I think nearly 20 years into a career, you learn to take the rough with the smooth and know that there's going to be highs and lows, and as long as you expect those things to happen, then you can deal with them the right way."

For Kennedy, however, the immediate priority will be putting the disappointment behind him and getting his career back on track.

His Q-School campaign may be over, but the youngster will hope the incident ultimately proves to be a learning experience rather than a defining moment.