Padraig Harrington was facing possible disqualification from his first event of the year today.
In second place at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship after a seven under par opening 65, the three-time major winner was the subject of an investigation into whether his ball moved on the seventh green yesterday.
Under golf's very strict rules Harrington could not simply accept a penalty shot if it went against him because he had signed his card.
That would bring back memories of the 2000 Benson and Hedges International at The Belfry. The Dubliner was five ahead with a round to go there, but then it was discovered he had not signed his opening day scorecard and he was disqualified.
While Harrington's fate was being decided South African Charl Schwartzel went three clear with four birdies and two bogeys in his first 11 holes.
Schwartzel, who made a successful defence of the Joburg Open last week, stood 10 under par with US Open champion Graeme McDowell and Harrington on seven under.
McDowell, who finished his initial 66 with five successive birdies, resumed with back-to-back bogeys, but birdied the first two and then matched Schwartzel's four on the long 18th to turn in 35.
Rory McIlroy eagled the 582-yard 10th for a perfect start to his second round and after a bogey on the 14th finished the back nine with two birdies to be four under.
Masters champion Phil Mickelson, playing with McDowell, was two under with seven to play, while world number one Lee Westwood was among the later starters on three under.
