South Korean Hyun-woo Ryu can count himself lucky a new rule change came into effect at the start of the year.
He played from the wrong spot after taking a drop at the first hole of his third round at The Hills on Saturday, and went on to sign for an incorrect score because the situation was not raised until yesterday.
Under the old rules, signing for an incorrect score resulted in disqualification, which would have resulted in his bowing out at 9-under-par, tied for sixth.
However, he was able to play on because Royal and Ancient and United States Golf Association introduced new rules from January 1.
Ryu received a two-shot penalty for playing the ball from the wrong spot and, under the new rules, a further two-shot penalty for signing for an incorrect score card.
PGA Tour of Australasia director of tournaments Andrew Langford-Jones said it was a "very unfortunate situation'', and believed it was "probably'' the first time the tweak in the rule had been applied in a professional tournament.
After the penalty, Ryu dropped from a share of sixth to a share of 27th to start the final round yesterday.
He fired a 3-under-par 69 final round, and would have finished tied for sixth without the penalty.
But the 34-year-old had to settle for a share of 16th at 8-under-par.
