US Ryder Cup star David Toms is heading back home after disqualifying himself from the 134th Open at St Andrews.

Toms revealed that felt he may have hit a moving ball while holing out for a double-bogey six on the 17th hole of his first-round two-over-par-74.

The American, who was playing with Colin Montgomerie and Paul Lawrie, said: "It was just one of those iffy areas about whether or not a rule was violated and I was the only one that saw it. I just felt it was better that I disqualified myself."

Toms had been among the leaders after playing the first ten holes of his round on the Old Course in three under par.

But the 38-year-old from Louisiana took a double-bogey six on the 13th hole and then on 17th, where the possible infringement occurred.

He added: "I might have hit a moving ball when I went to tap-in. I didn't go through my normal routine and it happened so fast because it was for double bogey. It was just one of those things and I'm not sure exactly what happened."

Toms continued: "The more I thought about it there was too much uncertainty and thought it was better that I disqualified myself. I was probably the only one able to do that.

"It was a disappointing end to a disappointing day altogether but I had a great time here, what a great place to have a golf tournament. I'm looking forward to next year."

Tournament officials from the Royal & Ancient Club said: "David Toms came to the R&A offices this morning to report a possible breach of the rules during his first round.

"On the 17th hole David...eventually had a short putt for a six. This putt was holed quickly and without much thought but overnight David became increasingly concerned that his ball may have moved after he had addressed it.

"David did not include the resulting penalty under Rule 18 in his score for the hole, for which the penalty is automatic disqualification (Rule 6-6d).

"In view of this, David decided to disqualify himself from the Open championship. The R&A have accepted his decision."