USGA Comments on the Lexi Thompson Ruling and new rule change

"The LPGA learned of this breach after reviewing video evidence that was brought to its attention during the final round. The LPGA then correctly ruled that Lexi would receive a total of four penalty strokes, two strokes for playing from a wrong place and two additional strokes for returning the incorrect score card. These types of situations do not occur frequently, but when they do, the committee’s responsibility is to consider the evidence provided and apply the Rules accordingly. This was obviously a highly unfortunate situation which Lexi handled with poise and professionalism".

"As part of their Rules Modernization initiative, the USGA and The R&A have been discussing the use of video evidence and have developed a proposed new standard to limit its use when a player is estimating or measuring a spot, point, line, area or distance. Proposed new Rule 1.3a(2) provides that ”so long as the player does all that can be reasonably expected under the circumstances to make an accurate estimation or measurement, the player’s reasonable judgment will be accepted even if later shown to be wrong by other information (such as video technology).” When the proposed new Rules take effect in 2019, the committee would apply this new standard in determining whether there would be any penalty in this type of situation."

I wish they would go a step further, get in line with all of the other sports in the world and eliminate folks from home being able to make rule judgements. In this case a day after the event occurred which is really in outer space! Lexi's playing partner and probably a rules official could have made a ruling on the spot if they saw an infraction which none of them did!  Since no one did she correctly assumed she signed a proper score card...why wouldn't she!

Golf History Was Made Today

The Lexi Thompson, ANA decision was the latest all time bad decision possible.  First of all the rules commission has to quit taking viewers rules evaluations.  Secondly it is absurd to let a viewer's  next day ruling on the previous day is totally wrong.  To penalize Lexi for signing an incorrect scorecard 2 strokes when the round was over with no penalties assessed until the next day is completely unfair to the golfer who would have easily won the year's first major with just a 2 stroke penalty for the infraction which never should have been reviewed the next day in the first place.  This ability to let armchair viewers  affect rules and subsequent play is unheard of in any sport today why should the PGA allow it in golf ESPECIALLY the next day.  When the round is over it's over.  You can't be deciding outcomes the next day!  Today's decision is maddening to say the least!