Golf Madrid Open: Padraig Harrington and Seve Ballesteros have both called for a change in the European Tour rule which could this weekend see Sandy Lyle lose his exempt status after 25 years.

Lyle needs a top nine finish in the Madrid Open starting today to have any chance of keeping his place as one of the circuit's top 40 career money winners.

But both Harrington and Ballesteros are on the side of those who believe it is wrong that someone who lifted the British Open and US Masters, topped the Order of Merit three times and won 25 tournaments between 1979 and 1992 should find themselves in the position Lyle does.

"I think that's bad," said Ballesteros. "Sandy is still a great champion and brings in people to the course. He did a tremendous job and I think they should take that into consideration and change the rule."

Harrington added: "I can't see any sponsor not wanting Sandy Lyle to play in their event. I would still want to watch him and I think they should rejig the all-time money list."

Lyle has himself suggested a points list rather than a cash list so that achievements could be recognised more.

"There's so much money on offer now that the system has become out-dated," said the 45-year-old Scot. "If it was done on points I'd probably be in the top 10, but it's not just me I'm speaking up for when I say I believe it needs to be looked at."

Harrington agrees with that. "What about the pro who has put in a lot without becoming the star that Sandy is? He would not necessarily get the invites that Sandy can still expect if he loses his card."

Lyle has earned nearly £3million in his European career, but an amazing 25 players have picked up £500,000 or more this season whereas he won under £40,000 the first time he led the Order of Merit in 1979.

His plight this week was not helped by his clubs arriving a day later than he did - he has lost count of the number of times that has happened this year - and in terms of what he needs to do he summed it up succinctly by commenting: "Birdies galore."

If he does lose his exempt status he will be looking for sponsors' invitations in addition to those events where he is a past champion. "I'm hoping I'll be okay, but I said the same thing on the US Tour when I lost my card there. People tend to forget you very quickly," he added.

Nick Faldo, also playing in Madrid, commented: "It's a tough one and I think it's certainly worth the committee talking about. Young kids would say it's about the present day and if six old-timers turned up they would not be impressed if it meant fewer spots for them."

Sergio Garcia echoed that. "I really like Sandy and hopefully they can figure out a way, but while it's great to have old-timers around you have to open spots for new breeds."

The Madrid Open is the final qualifying event and also decides who will return to the qualifying school by failing to finish in the top 115 on the money list.