Graeme McDowell has missed the cut at the RBC Canadian Open, despite making the cut. The strange situation – which seems to have somewhat caught McDowell unawares – saw an additional Saturday cut added to the tournament through the invocation of a rarely used PGA Tour rule.

McDowell began the weekend with a 76, before putting in a massively improved round of 65 on Friday to save his weekend. However, the rarely needed PGA Tour MDF rule (Made Cut Did Not Finish) was brought into play as a way of narrowing the field slightly before Sunday’s final round. The rule is brought in to play when too many players make the cut.

As a result McDowell, and three other golfers who had passed the Friday cut point, were sent packing a day later. McDowell added a round of 76 to his total was three over at the end of his third round but left the course unaware he was due to be eliminated from the tournament.

McDowell admitted on Twitter he had not been aware of the Saturday cut and it may have altered his play had he known.

Just discovered I missed the Saturday cut @RBCCanadianOpen. Didn't know there was one. Might have changed my mindset a little? #knowtherules

— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) July 27, 2013

I knew the Saturday cut rule existed, but I thought 78 players was okay. I guess it's if 78 or more players make the cut the rule kicks in..

— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) July 27, 2013