The K-Club golf hotel in Kildare was threatened with suspension from future competitions after watches used as prizes at a charity fund­raiser exceeded the permitted amateur prize value.

Winners of the Marie Keating Foundation golf classic last month were forced to hand back their prizes after an investigation by the Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI).

The GUI had been informed that prizes at last month's charity event far surpassed the €750 limit set down for amateur events, strictly enforced by the golfers' union.

Redfaced officials from the well-known charity requested the expensive engraved watches be handed back to avoid a breach of golfing regulations which could have had dire implications for members of the lavish club.

While the length of any ban on clubs depends on the nature and extent of the regulation breach, K-Club members with handicaps would have been blocked from entering amateur competitions for the duration of any sanction.

A spokeswoman for the Marie Keating Foundation insisted she had heard nothing in relation to the watches being returned but confirmed that they had been given as prizes. The K-Club did not return calls seeking comment.