SINGAPORE OPEN:A day after Lee Westwood blasted the European Tour's "mismanagement" of the 2007 tour schedule, Ernie Els joined the criticism after seeing his chances of a third Order of Merit title in five years dented by his absence from the Volvo Masters. Els, who is sitting out the event to play at the Asian Tour's flagship event, the Singapore Open, is far from happy with the situation.

"It's tough to play here and there in the same week," he said. "The decision (to play in the Singapore Open) was made last year. I signed a commitment with Barclays for three years, played my first one last year . . . so don't blame me. I'd love to play the Volvo Masters but if they screw up the dates, so be it.

"The European Tour knew I've got a three-year contract with Barclays. I don't make the decision on when the tournament falls so it's one of those things . . . I mentioned it a couple of weeks ago during (the World) Matchplay and I haven't heard any response in explanation. Somebody missed the ball; it's as simple as that."

While he can do little now to boost his Order of Merit hopes, Els has not given up hope yet of winning the title he claimed in 2003 and 2004. "It'd be great to be on top. It hasn't happened for a couple of years and it would be a bonus because I didn't think I could do that," he said.

While disappointed to be missing the Volvo Masters, Els is delighted to be back in Singapore where he hopes to go one better after losing out to Adam Scott in a play-off last year. "This is the biggest tournament on the Asian Tour and to come to a wonderful place like Singapore, it's great . . . It's the strongest field anywhere in the world this week and there are a lot of world ranking points at stake."

NEWS:Colin Montgomerie has claimed he found it "very strange" European Ryder Cup captain Nick Faldo chose to go public with criticism of him at the recent Seve Trophy. Faldo, who took over from Montgomerie as Britain and Ireland captain, said it was "disappointing" his former partner missed three team meetings and added: "Monty's a tough one. He was the only one whose emotions I had to deal with."

Montgomerie said: "If anyone has any views, especially my commitment to a team event, it seems very strange to go to the press. To go in public, I don't think that's the right way to do anything."

NEWS:Tiger Woods has quashed reports he has parted company with coach Hank Haney. "Contrary to rumours I have not split with Hank Haney, my friend and swing coach," said Woods on the US Tour's website. "He's spent more time at home helping his wife deal with health issues, which is the way it should be. Besides, I've become much better at correcting my swing flaws . . . Hank is still going to be my coach."

RULE CHANGES:The R&A issued amendments to its rulebook for 2008 yesterday. In an attempt to make penalties more proportionate to the offences the R&A, in conjunction with the USGA, has amended 28 of its 34 playing rules.

Of the more significant changes, the penalty for the accidental deflection of the ball by a player, his partner, their caddies or equipment has been reduced from two strokes to one.

Another change reduces the punishment for carrying, but not using, a non-conforming club from disqualification to a two-stroke penalty per hole with a maximum penalty of four strokes per round.

Players will also be allowed to lift a ball in a bunker or water hazard for "identification purposes".