South Africa's Ernie Els has slammed the European Tour for a clash of dates that could cost the world number four the chance to pick up a third order of merit title.
Els leads the European standings with one tournament remaining, this week's Volvo Masters in Spain, but instead of teeing off in Valderrama, the South African is competing at the Asian Tour's Singapore Open.
"The decision to play in Singapore was made last year," Els told reporters on Wednesday.
"I signed a three-year commitment to play this tournament and have one more left after this one so don't blame me.
"I'd love to play the Volvo Masters but if they screw up the dates then so be it."
"The European Tour knew that I have a three-year commitment to the Singapore Open and I do not make the decision on when a tournament falls, so it's just one of those things."
Els's frustration has been compounded by what he said was a lack of communication between the European Tour and himself.
"You cannot please everybody, especially when two big events like these are being played in the same week," added Els, who was Europe's leading player in 2003 and 2004.
"It just doesn't make sense. I mentioned it a couple of weeks ago at the World Match Play and I have had no response or an explanation.
"Somebody has missed the ball, it is as simple as that. You could ask (European Tour executive director) George O'Grady or whoever does the dates in Asia.
"We are players and go where we need to go and play. If I had decided to go to Valderrama, it would have been the wrong thing to do."
Five players remain in contention for European order of merit title and Els's absence from Valderrama has opened the door for Padraig Harrington, Justin Rose, Niclas Fasth and Henrik Stenson.
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