The American star won’t be punished by the R&A.
Image: Getty Images/R&A
There has been no shortage of gossip or drama at the 2020 AIG Women’s Open.
And one piece of scandal floating around over the last 24 hours or so has been about LPGA Lexi Thompson allegedly breaking the rules.
Currently at No.10 in the world rankings, Lexi was accused of using her club to brush away a tuft of wiry grass next to the ball at the par-5 16th hole during her first round.
The chief referee spotted the potential rule infringement in the TV footage, but after further examination it was declared that she hadn’t actually improved her lie.
A statement from the R&A read:
“Yesterday, as part of its normal TV review procedures, the R&A viewed Lexi Thompson’s actions prior to playing her second shot at the 16th hole in round one of the AIG Women’s Open.
“Following a discussion between chief referee David Rickman and the player prior to signing her scorecard, it was determined that, although the player had moved a growing natural object behind her ball, it had returned to its original position. Therefore, the lie of the ball was not improved and there was no breach of Rule 8.1.”
This latest incident somewhat echos the upset from the 2017 ANA Inspiration where Lexi was left in tears after being penalised by two strokes for incorrectly replacing a marked ball.
After shooting 75 and 78 and finishing +11 after Round 2. Lexi didn’t make the cut yesterday and won’t be playing today (August 22) at Royal Troon.
For more information and the leaderboard click HERE.
2020 AIG Women's Open: Round 2 highlights - READ MORE
