Last week at the Honda LPGA Thailand, Lexi Thompson was imposed a penalty of 2 strokes because she did not know a rule and she did not read the Local Rules in effect at any LPGA tournament. This ignorance cost her 50 000$
She removed a Temporary Immovable Obstruction (TIO)
THE RULE ON THE LPGA
It is strictly forbidden to remove any publicity signs. A player is entitle to a relief without penalty not only for interference for the swing or the stance, but a player may obtain relief from the line of sight, on either side of the TIO.
THE FACTS
On hole # 15, with the help of her caddie, she removed a publicity sign.. When she arrived at the scoring tent, she had to add 2 strokes on her score. her 66 became a 68.
OTHER TOURS
In all the golf tours, the TIO rule is in effect. Golf Quebec has the same rule. At Circuit Canada Pro Tour, we have the same rule with a small exception: if the TIO is smaller than a club-length, the player may at his choice use the TIO rule or remove the obstruction
COMMENTS
I am always surprise to see golfers making a living out of playing golf not knowing the Rules and they don’t take the time to read the basic rules of the competition. On most of the tours, at least 6 rules officials are on the course and many volunteers have communication devices at their disposal.
I may also add that the caddie is also responsible for the mistake. He is there to help the player. He should know those basic rules.
ANSWERS TO QUESTION 2
14 Clubs-Rule
In Match play, the penalty is an adjustment of the state of the match of one hole with a maximum of 2 holes without any consideration on the actual result of that or those holes . When the breach is discovered on hole # 2 and Eddy had lost the first 2 holes, he will now be 4 down after 2 holes.
TEAM COMPETITION
In a Four-Ball competition if a player his in breach of the Clubs Rule, the team is penalised even if the player picked up his ball.