Golfer kicked out of tournament over Facebook post

Golf has since its inception in Scotland in the 15th century earned the reputation as a gentleman’s game.

The game is guided by religiously followed etiquette not only by club members but throughout major tournaments across the world.

Anybody going against the rules suffers heavy penalties including fines, expulsion or ban from clubs or international events.

Well, Kenya’s professional player, Richard Ainley, who once played alongside some of the world’s top crème de la crème players like Vijay Singh, will live to remember this year’s Barclays Kenya Open.

But not  for good reasons.

Kenya Open Golf Limited was forced to kick out Ainley after he breached the PGA Challenge Tour Rules after posting derogatory marks on his Facebook wall.

ACCREDITATION CONFISCATED

Ainley, who has played at Kenya Open for many years, was due to tee off at 10th tee at 8.50am but was barred and his accreditation confiscated at around 7.30am.

Ainley’s woes started when he was barred by the security personnel from packing his car inside the Karen Country Club since he didn’t have the official car pass given to Professional Golfers of Kenya.

Aniley is said to have had an altercation with Club captain Owino Ayodo concerning the incident.

Ainley didn’t take it lightly and went to update Facebook page on his frustrations.

“I see colonization had not ended. Only Kenya’s elite and mzungus allowed to park at the Kenya Open Karen country Club.

“Us few PLAYERS that have cars have to make a good long trek yet it’s not matter if your late. Shindwe! I’m taking it low out of anger.”

An hour later, Ainley would post: “Because of my Facebook post I’ve been refused to play as my invitation has been withdrawn. To those I may have offended I’m sorry. To all you other Kenyans play well!”

Tournament director Patrick Obath said Ainley was in serious breach of PGA European Tour Rules section C but said they would go slow not to punish Ainley further.

“We have only barred him from this year’s Kenya Open,” said Obath.

Such breach of rules attract fines up to 15,000 pounds (Sh2m).

Obath said he didn’t expect an experienced player of Ainley’s calibre to embarrass the country and himself when he knew the channels to follow.

“When players register with PGK, they are given tickets and passes for themselves and their guests,” said Obath.

“The security personnel at the gate follow instructions and Ainley should have had his car pass to get through and he knows that.”

Ainley defended himself saying he has previously asked for a pass to park his car inside the club but in vain.

“I have done that before without success.  “We can’t park far away I carry my playing equipment all the way,’ said Ainley. “We need equal treatment when it comes to Kenya Open,” said Ainley.