US golfer, Anthony Kim, has been disqualified from the HSBC Champions tournament in Shanghai, China, for attempting to play with a damaged driver.

The world number eight explained that the club clipped a sprinkler head whilst he was walking down the fairway: “I wasn't angry or anything. The toe hit the sprinkler. It looked a little bit different but I wasn't sure.”

The rules of golf (specifically rule 4-3b) state that clubs damaged outside the normal course of play must not be used or replaced, and that any player seen to be doing so will be immediately disqualified.

The HSBC Champions tournament is the first time that Kim has taken part in the European tour (the American is trying to broaden his horizons) and he is understandably disappointed with the ruling. Kim will still be eligible for the Dubai World Championships provided that he can continue to compete throughout the rest of the series.

Ian Poulter was also punished by the golfing gods. The Englishman had his Ryder Cup driver stolen from his bag during the early stages of the competition and has been forced to withdraw from the Singapore Open as a result. He is said to be "gutted" with the turn of events. A reward fund has been set up for the club but the thief has yet to be caught.

Ian Poulter was famously ‘body-checked’ by Anthony Kim at the Ryder Cup and will be disappointed at missing a chance to compete against the American when play resumes in Singapore on Thursday.