Lexi Thompson’s controversial penalty in 2017 led to an official change in the Rules of Golf. The American golfer was aiming to win the ANA Inspiration. After three rounds, she held the lead and was the favorite to win the tournament.

However, she suffered an unfortunate setback during the final round on Sunday, which ultimately caused her to miss out on the title. A television viewer had alerted officials to an error in Thompson’s ball placement during the third round of the event.

When she teed off for the final round on Sunday, LPGA Tour official Sue Witters approached her near the 13th hole and informed her that she was being given a four-stroke penalty. Thompson was stunned by the decision and said, “Is this a joke?”

On the 17th hole of the third round, she had placed the ball about an inch away from its original position. After being alerted by a fan via email, officials conducted a review and, the following day, assessed her a two-stroke penalty for incorrect ball placement and an additional two-stroke penalty for signing an incorrect scorecard.

The ruling was highly controversial and sparked widespread debate on social media. In its aftermath, the Rules of Golf were changed. A new decision, 34-3/10, was introduced to limit the use of video evidence in two ways.

First, if a rules violation is not visible to the naked eye and can only be detected through video footage, the player will not be penalized. Second, if tournament officials determine that a player made every reasonable effort to estimate or measure the line or position of the ball accurately, no penalty will be imposed.

Lexi Thompson’s infamous four-stroke penalty ultimately led to this rule change, though it also cost her the major title.

Lexi Thompson lost to Ryu So-yeon in a playoff at ANA Inspiration 2017

After receiving the harsh four-stroke penalty, Lexi Thompson, who otherwise might have won the title comfortably, finished the final round tied for the lead.

She then faced Ryu So-yeon in a playoff for the championship but eventually lost when Ryu made a birdie on the extra hole. Speaking after the event, Thompson said the situation was “unfortunate.”

“It’s unfortunate what happened,” Thompson said. “I did not mean that at all. I didn’t realize I did that.”

She received support from fans, fellow golfers, and celebrities on social media. Even the tournament winner, Ryu, commented on Thompson’s situation.

"It's a very unfortunate situation," Ryu said. "I didn't expect it. I thought I'm well behind, so all I wanted to do was play my game."

Although Thompson missed out on the major title in 2017, she had won the Chevron Championship in 2014, which remains the only major title of her career.

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Written by

Ankita Yadav

Edited by

Sahil Prashar