What is the consequence of playing in an unapproved format of play during a tournament?

In tournament golf, adherence to the rules and regulations concerning formats of play is critical for maintaining fairness and integrity. When a player participates in an unapproved format, the established rules indicate that the appropriate consequence is immediate disqualification. This means that the player is removed from the tournament and their scores will not count, as the integrity of the competition is compromised when players do not follow the prescribed formats.

This strict measure ensures that all participants are abiding by the same rules and playing conditions, which is essential for the legitimacy of the tournament’s results. The disqualification serves as a reminder to maintain compliance with tournament guidelines, as allowing any leniency could lead to an uneven playing field.