Talk of The Villages Florida - View Single Post - Lexi Thompson Assessed 4 Stroke Penalty, Loses Championship in Playoff!
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Old 04-05-2017, 07:51 PM
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Mikeod Mikeod is offline
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I have no problem with the penalty for playing from the wrong place. My beef is with the timing. I understand the committee is in a tough spot, i.e., they can't ignore a violation so a call-in or email can't be dismissed. However, like the requirement to file a claim or having to correct an error before teeing off on the next hole, there should be a cutoff point after which the round is official. That could be the start of the next round, or the publishing of pairings for the next round. Any violations brought to the committee after that do not change the scores. The player should be informed and warned. And monitored.

Consider that this player entered the last round of a major believing she had the lead and planned a strategy commensurate with that position. Fellow competitors, trailing, developed a strategy to make up the difference which may have involved more risky play. Consider that risky play may result in errors taking the player out of contention. Then, 2/3 through the round, it's all turned around. Player behind is now in the lead and vice versa. To me, the competition has been adulterated.

With what I suggest, both players enter the final round knowing exactly where they stand and can plan accordingly. And outside input is still considered albeit with a time limit.
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