# 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.
- Title: Lexi Thompson’s Major Dream Shattered by TV Call and Penalty
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: lexi thompson, lpga, ana inspiration, chevron championship, golf, rules violation, major championship, sports, Lexi, Thompson, Major, Dream
- Source: EssentiallySports — https://essentiallysports.com/golf-news-lexi-thompsons-major-dream-was-once-shattered-by-a-tv-viewers-call-a-controversial-four-shot-penalty
- Author: Roshni Dhawan
- Published: 2026-10-21T22:51:14+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: lexi thompson, lpga, ana inspiration, chevron championship, golf, rules violation, major championship, sports
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Lexi Thompson lost her 2017 major lead due to a rules violation spotted by a TV viewer, sparking rule changes.