Seve Ballesteros has been reprimanded after a rare loss of temper during yesterday's opening round of the Via Digital Spanish Open in Valencia.
The 44-year-old Spaniard lashed out in anger on the sixth hole of his first-round 76 when only able to hack out of iceplant found from awayward tee-shot.
The incident - which was captured on television - was brought to the attention of tournament director Miguel Vidaor, who decided the five-timemajor winner should be "sanctioned".
Vidaor said: "He (Ballesteros) could only whack his recovery shot 60 yards forward.
"He then repeatedly and violently swung his club, thrashing the iceplant.
"Ballesteros came to apologise after his round and said he was sorry.
"He said it was a bad moment for him and agreed that such behaviour reflected badly on him and on the game.
"But the incident took place in front of spectators and television cameras and therefore, Ballesteros will be sanctioned.
"No official statement will be made about this. It is a matter which will be dealt with privately between Ballesteros as an individual member of theEuropean Tour and the Tour itself."
The former Ryder Cup captain is not thought to have been cautioned before over his behaviour during a 27-year professional career.
Ballesteros has not had a tournament victory since his Spanish Open triumph six years ago, and yesterday's four-over round left him with anuphill task of making the halfway cut.
PA