From EssentiallySports · Roshni Dhawan · · 1m 10s
Lexi Thompson’s Major Dream Shattered by TV Call and Penalty
Lexi Thompson’s major dream was shattered by a TV viewer’s call and a controversial four-shot penalty.
In brief
Lexi Thompson’s major dream was shattered by a TV viewer’s call and a controversial four-shot penalty. Lexi Thompson lost her 2017 major lead due to a rules violation spotted by a TV viewer, sparking rule changes. Originally reported by EssentiallySports.
Lexi Thompson’s Major Dream
Lexi Thompson was about to win her second major but lost it due to a rules penalty.
“It was like my dream was just ripped right from my hands.”
The Penalty Incident
A TV viewer spotted a one-inch ball slip during a tap-in, leading to a four-shot penalty.
Rules Violation Details
Thompson received a two-stroke penalty for playing from the wrong place and a two-stroke penalty for signing a scorecard with a lower score.
The Aftermath
Thompson lost the lead but rallied to force a playoff, winning the event with a birdie on the 13th hole.
Rule Changes
The USGA and R&A issued Decision 34-3/10 to prevent penalties for things the naked eye couldn’t see.
Thompson’s Recovery
Thompson won twice in 2018 while coping with her mother’s cancer battle and later retired.
The takeaway
Lexi Thompson lost her 2017 major lead due to a rules violation spotted by a TV viewer, sparking rule changes.
