Elliott Saltman’s playing partners are certain to be watching his ball-marking actions very closely when he tees up in this week’s Spanish Open in Barcelona.
European Tour officials have grouped the Scot with Chilean Mark Tullo and England’s Matthew Nixon for the first two days.
It is the 29-year old Saltman’s first full Tour event since has banned for three months last January after being guilty of cheating in last year’s Russian Open.
He had become eligible for last week’s Ballantine’s Championship but because of the short notice did not have ample time to arrange a Korean visa.
“To be accused of being a cheat is a terrible stigma and one I will now have to carry for the rest of my life,” said Saltman.