Lexi Thompson Once Again Assessed A Strange Penalty

Lexi Thompson was again given a quirky penalty–this time during the Honda LPGA Thailand. This is on the heels of that bizarre 4-stroke penalty at last year’s ANA Inspiration event.

Golf.com’s Jeff Ritter explains.

On her 15th hole, her ball came to rest near an advertising sign. At some courses on tour, these billboards are classified as man-made, moveable objects that can be shifted without penalty; at other tracks, they are “temporary immovable obstructions.” Thompson moved the sign out of her swing path, and unfortunately at Siam Country Club, the local rule deems that ad immovable. The penalty was two shots, and Thompson wasn’t notified of the infraction until she sat in the scorer’s tent after her round. Her 66 became a 68.

Making the situation a little more unusual is the fact that Thompson wasn’t assessed the penalty until she was in the scorers’ tent. Thompson finished her round unaware that she had broken a rule. But prior to signing her scorecard, a rules official informed her of the infraction.

At some point, you’d like to believe Lexi’s caddie Kevin Mcalpine would offer some helpful advice. You’d also think a course official might notify the player prior to her ducking into the scorer’s tent (like, when did officials know and who told them?). However, its ultimately the player’s responsibility to check with an official before assuming what they’re about to do is correct.

I’m also going to assume Lexi and her caddie will hopefully do that the next time she’s unsure of a ruling, right?