The decision, which ended Jimenez’s hopes of climbing into the world’s top 50 in time for the Masters and leaves him needing a special invitation, was made by European Tour senior referee Andy McFee after he studied television coverage of an incident at the 12th hole of the Spaniard’s third round.

“I accept it, but I don’t agree with it,” said Jimenez as he cleared his locker and headed for home. “In 16 years on the European Tour nothing like this has ever happened to me before.”

The Malaga golfer, with two wins already under his belt since Ryder Cup qualifying started and 53rd on the world rankings, admitted his ball moved as he played a practice chip after going over the green.

But he felt the ball then came back to its original position and when he told playing partners Brian Davis and Peter Hedblom that they agreed he should continue without penalty.

It was only after the round and after he had signed his scorecard that McFee was made aware of the incident by the television production team covering the event, even though mention had been made on the commentary.

This morning he and Jimenez studied the video for an hour and McFee felt he could not give the benefit of the doubt to the player.

“I’m not calling him a liar at all and I fully accept he thinks it came back to the same position, but I can’t agree with that,” said McFee.

“The movement of the ball was significant (about half a rotation) to the point that I don’t see how it can come back into the original position. I have to give the benefit of the doubt to the field, not to the player.

“It’s a harsh position and I wish I had had the opportunity to view the tape before he signed his card. If I had it would have been a two-stroke penalty, not disqualification.

“We had a good debate. I hope he feels he had a fair hearing, even if he does not agree with the conclusion. He is disappointed right now.”

Jimenez also needed to make the top 50 to appear in the Players Championship in Florida the week after next.