Gary Orr's hopes of making this year's golf World Cup have been dashed after the Scotland team, champions two years ago, learned they would have to qualify for this year's tournament.

Ranked no.127 in the world, Orr would have made the trip to Mission Hills in China in November with the next highest ranked player Alastair Forsyth, had Scotland been among the 18 top-ranked nations.

However with Scotland ending outside the top 18 they will now have to attend a qualifying tournament in Estonia on September 24-27.

And due to a rules change, the teams will now be made up of the top two players in the Race to Dubai order of merit which means that while Forsyth keeps his place, Orr will be replaced by David Drysdale,  ranked 44 on the list.

Orr said: "If that's the rule I don't have any choice other than to accept it but I don't understand why is has to be so complicated with one set of rules if we are exempt and another if we are not."

A European Tour spokesman said: "This method has been introduced this year for the first time to focus more strongly on regional orders of merit. Unfortunately for Gary he is the only one affected in this way."

Up to 12 teams will take part in the Estonia tournament but with only three places available Forsyth and Drysdale will have to be on top of their game to book their spot.