Chiefs back Thompson penalty after uproar

L PG A Tou r r u le s of f ic i a l s defended their decision to hit Lex i Thompson with a fourstroke pena lt y on Sunday, a move that denied the 22-yearold American v ictor y in t he first major of the season at the Ana Inspiration.

Thompson was left distraught after being informed following the 12th hole of the final round – when she led by three – that she was to be penalised four strokes for an incident in Saturday’s third round spotted by a television viewer.

Although Thompson fought back to play the remaining six holes in two under, she lost an agonising sudden death playoff to South Korea’s Ryu So-yeon at Mission Hills Coun- try Club in Rancho Mirage in California.

But as Ryu celebrated with the traditional leap into Poppie’s Pond off the 18th green, the golf world was left in uproar by the decision that effectively robbed Thompson of the title.

‘Common sense out window’

Tiger Woods led a chorus of incredulity across the golf world as the controversy unfolded.

“Viewers at home should not be officials wearing stripes,” the 14-time major champion tweeted as the final round reached its climax.

“Lexi lost lead on Sunday due to something that happened on Saturday. Am I get- ting that right?,” golfer Hunter Mahan chimed.

“Common sense just thrown right out the window!!”

The LPGA stood by their decision, however, revealingevealing that in an email from a television viewer, Thompsonson had been spotted improperly roperly replacing her ball after putting out on the 17th th on Saturday.

Her third round 67 7 was changed to a 71 as s a result – a two-shot ot penalty for the infracction, and two shots for or signing an incorrect ect scorecard.

LPGA Tour rules offificial Sue Witters, who ho had informed a stunned ed Thompson of the penaltyalty after the 12th, said she understood the outrage of fans but insisted that no other option was available. “Sure, but what’s my choice? A viola violation in the rules and then it wo u l d b e t h e opp opposite s t or y : ‘Oh, they knew, why didn’t they d o a n y t h i n g ab about it?’” Witter ters said. ““I can’t go to b e d t o n i g h t kno knowing that I let a ru rule slide. You know know, it’s a hard thing to do, and it made me sick to be hones honest with you.” LPGA e x e c ut i v e Heather Daly Donofrio also defended the decision of rules officials. “When you have a situation like this, it’s extremely difficult,” Donofrio said.

“And it’s extremely upsetting for everybody, and this is the last thing that the rules team wants to do. But their job is to enforce the rules of the game, regardless of who the player is and what the situation is and what the championship is.

“And it’s not always well received when the rules official do their jobs.”

Thompson (pictured, AFP) could be seen choking back tears on the course after being informed of the penalty.

“Is this a joke?” she said as she strode toward the 13th tee. “That’s just ridiculous.”