The general manager of the Orchard Golf and Country Club who has been accused of abuse of power has issued a statement admitting his mistake and imposing a 30-day playing suspension upon himself.

Nilo Famy has been the subject of complaint by members in an issue that has gone viral on social media when he played a twosome with his son last 26 December which was a holiday.

It went against the house rules disallowing twosomes on primetime, weekends and holidays where there are usually big numbers of players.

"My apologies to the general membership of The Orchard for this lapse," said Famy in his statement issued 31 January.

"In view of this oversight, I am issuing a 30-day suspension of play on myself. I am also issuing a directive to the Golf Registration and Course starters to strictly implement our rules without fear or favor."

He also justified the infraction by saying: "It wasn't so much abuse of authority, but simply a father missing playing and bonding with his son, forgetting that December 26 was a holiday."

Famy, who is reportedly a member of the club, said his son was taking his second-year residency in Medicine, taking on long hours of hospital duties, and only got a two-day respite.

"This respite was on December 26 and 27…He was home for Christmas which brought so much joy to our family. He then asked if we could play golf the next day," Famy explained.