The LPGA event in Rancho Mirage ended in clusterfuck fashion on Sunday as Lexi Thompson lost a three shot lead because of a dumb penalty brought about by a viewer email – which would be the opposite of an awesome way to end a tournament.
Since the whole thing is just surreal, I will let ESPN handle the recap of the bizarre events:
The fateful email arrived during Sunday’s final round, alerting officials to the violation committed Saturday. Thompson marked a 1-foot putt with a coin on the 17th green during her third round, but she replaced the ball perhaps 1 inch out of position.
After an extensive video review, Thompson was penalized 2 strokes for an incorrect ball placement and 2 strokes for an incorrect scorecard.
Thompson fought back tears after the penalty was announced. She forced a playoff with three birdies but eventually lost to So Yeon Ryu.
The whole thing is incredibly awful. And I am not alone in saying this:
Viewers at home should not be officials wearing stripes. Let's go @Lexi, win this thing anyway.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 3, 2017
The LPGA should be ashamed of what they just did to Lexi Thompson. Ashamed for allowing some self – righteous viewer to affect their game
— T. Gutman (@tedg_sr) April 3, 2017
BREAKING: @LPGA releases photo of couch ref during final round of ANA major @Lexi @LPGACommish #LexiThompson #GetItDoneGurl pic.twitter.com/dvXkMYmAti
— Aly (@alyales44) April 3, 2017
Just woke up to the Lexi rules curfuffle. My question is: What on earth would compel you to email the LPGA as a casual viewer? ???? #GetALife ????
— Rory Anderson (@YGTRory) April 3, 2017
No sporting event should be decided by someone watching at home – which is something I never thought I would have to say, but here we are.
