SIDELINES : Spencer-Devlin Disqualified

Muffin Spencer-Devlin, an LPGA golfer, was disqualified from the Ford Classic today after arguing with officials over seating arrangements at the pre-tournament dinner.

Joe Flanagan, executive director of the Women’s European Tour, said the golfer from San Francisco was barred for “bringing the tour into disrespect.” Flanagan said the trouble began when Spencer-Devlin, 36, went to sit at the head table, rather than with the rest of the U.S. players.

After an argument with tournament Director David Parkin, she walked out of the dinner, and officials disqualified her from the $68,000 event that begins Thursday.

Giving her account of the incident, Spencer-Devlin said: “Parkin said, ‘You are to sit here.’ I slammed my fist down on the table twice, said, ‘I am an American and I am not to be treated this way. Then I walked out.’ ”

Spencer-Devlin decided to pass up most of the LPGA Tour this year and to play most of her tournament golf in Europe because, she said, she enjoys the atmosphere.