One of the most unique and controversial aspects of PGA and LPGA tournaments is the fact that viewers can cite penalties that they see while watching a tournament on television or online. With high-definition cameras and fans becoming more aware of the rules, they’re having an easier time seeing and reporting penalties committed by professional golfers. Lexi Thompson, the fifth-ranked women’s player in the world, was recently impacted by one of these viewer-cited infractions, and it proved to be very costly.
A Missed Opportunity
On April 2, Lexi Thompson was on her way to a sure victory at the LPGA Tour’s first major of the year at the ANA Inspiration in California. With a three-stroke lead on the 13th hole, Thompson was penalized four strokes for an infraction that had occurred the previous day. A television viewer reported the infraction via email, which is why it was enforced the following day and not when it immediately occurred. The viewer pointed out that Thompson incorrectly replaced her ball on the 17th green, which is a two-stroke penalty. Because Thompson signed an incorrect card – even though the penalty had not yet been enforced – she was assessed another two-stroke penalty.
A teary Thompson told reporters a couple weeks later, “I have seen the video and I can see where they’re coming from with it. It might have been, I guess, me rotating the ball. I have always played by the Rules of Golf…I didn’t mean it at all.”
Thompson later continued, “That’s one of my favorite tournaments, and it’s always a dream of mine to just see myself jumping into Poppie’s Pond. I played amazing that week. I don’t think I’ve ever played better, and just for that to happen it was just, it was kind of a nightmare.”
An Adjustment to Modern Technology
A new rule was passed soon after Thompson’s incident that limits the use of video evidence in determining penalties. The new rule can spare players from being penalized, even if they have violated a rule. If the violation couldn’t have been noticed by the naked eye, then golfers can avoid a penalty. Penalties are also now subject to review by rules officials, who can eliminate penalties if they, in their judgment, feel the player made a reasonable effort to take a drop or replace a ball on the green. The decision was effective immediately and impacted all tours around the world.
Interested in Learning More about the Game of Golf?
Golf can be a tricky yet fulfilling sport, with many intricacies and nuances. If you’re looking to expand your knowledge of the game, consider contacting a golf professional at Westlake Golf Course. Our pros are knowledgeable in both the rules and the technical aspects of the game and can be a great resource to have as you improve your skills as a golfer. To schedule a lesson, call the pro shop at 818-889-0770, or contact the course via email at westlakegc@yahoo.com.