The golf world was atwitter over the four-stroke penalty assessed to Lexi Thompson as she was comfortably in the lead at the LPGA's first major, the ANA Inspiration in Rancho Mirage, California.
Thompson, who won the event in 2014, was cruising along with a two-shot lead and six holes to play when she was informed of the penalty by an LPGA official. A television viewer alerted officials that, on Saturday, Thompson had marked her ball and then put it back in an improper place before a 1-foot putt on the 17th green in the third round.
The LPGA didn't decide on a penalty until Sunday. Thompson was penalized two strokes for an incorrect ball placement and two strokes for an incorrect scorecard.
Golfers from Tiger Woods to Brittany Lincicome and even tennis hall-of-famer Chris Evert took to Twitter with their reactions.
Viewers at home should not be officials wearing stripes. Let's go @Lexi, win this thing anyway.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 3, 2017
This is unbelievable. Come on @Lexi!!!! #ANAInspiration
— Morgan Pressel (@mpressel) April 3, 2017
Come on @Lexi you can do it!!!!!
— Brittany Lincicome (@Brittany1golf) April 3, 2017
We really need to do something about people being able to call in. Especially days later 😥😡. Poor girl
The way Lexie handled herself during this event will define her as a person and as a golfer for the rest of her life..
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) April 3, 2017
Whatever number this is that people can call in, it needs to go away. Hoping it doesn't cost @Lexi! https://t.co/wtKkU9pg2o
— Justin Thomas (@JustinThomas34) April 3, 2017
Who's watching what is happening to @Lexi @LPGA? Can't believe this is happening. A viewers calls in a rule a day late or ever.... Not right
— Natalie Gulbis (@natalie_gulbis) April 3, 2017
Are you kidding me @lpga!?! 24 hours later assessed a 4 stroke penalty?! Ridiculous. Come on @Lexi! Everyone is pulling for you now 💪🏼🇺🇸
— Amelia Lewis LPGA (@AmeliaLewisLPGA) April 3, 2017
Viewers should not be able to call in rulings.
— Cheyenne Woods (@Cheyenne_Woods) April 2, 2017
Infuriated w @Lexi ruling. Who intentionally seeks an inch on a tap in. TV viewers need a day job or have no effect on our system.
— Alison Walshe (@Walsheyyy) April 3, 2017
Some on is watching DVR golf from Saturday and calls in a penalty . Day late and definitely a dollar short dude. Go @Lexi we r rooting for u
— Jacqui Concolino (@concgolf) April 3, 2017
Feel so bad for @Lexi right now but she's a true champion. Everyone is pulling for you!
— Paige Spiranac (@PaigeSpiranac) April 3, 2017
Shame on the @LPGA for giving @Lexi a 4 stroke penalty for a moved ball yesterday on the 17th hole. Do it yesterday not today. No more.
— Alfonso Ribeiro (@alfonso_ribeiro) April 2, 2017