Los Angeles - Cameron Tringale has belatedly disqualified himself from last week's PGA Championship, saying he believes he signed an incorrect scorecard for the final round.
The 26-year-old American said he had notified the PGA of America on Friday of the mistake he made last Sunday.
He signed for a bogey four on the par-three 11th at Valhalla Golf Club.
But with hindsight he recalled that his putter swung over the ball as he approached the hole to tap in his three-inch bogey putt.
"Realizing that there could be the slightest doubt that the swing over the ball should have been recorded as a stroke, I spoke with the PGA of America and shared with them my conclusion that the stroke should have been recorded," he said in a statement.
"I regret any inconvenience this has caused the PGA of America and my fellow competitors in what was a wonderful Championship."
Tringale had finished in a tie for 33rd. He will give up his $53 000 pay cheque, and those finishing below him will get elevated payouts. The change won't affect the US Ryder Cup team.
"We are very appreciative of Cameron coming forward to inform us of this situation," said PGA of America Chief Championships Officer Kerry Haigh. "It yet again shows the great values and traditions of the game and the honesty and integrity of its competitors."