Who needs referees when we have TV viewers to officiate big-time sporting events?
The LPGA decided a major tournament because a snitch of a golf fan notified the tour that Lexi Thompson incorrectly placed her ball back on the green by a sliver on a short putt, Deadspin reported.
But wait, it gets crazier.
The slightly errant ball placement happened on the 17th hole of Saturday’s ANA Inspiration in Rancho Mirage, California. The viewer reportedly emailed the complaint during Sunday’s final round. Thompson, who was two strokes in the lead, was notified before the 13th hole that she would be penalized 4 strokes ― two for improper ball placement and two for an incorrect scorecard.
“Is this a joke?” Thompson asked, per the Associated Press.
Told it wasn’t, she snapped: “This is ridiculous.”
Watch the infraction for yourself here:
Video of @Lexi's apparent rules infraction yesterday. #ANAinspiration. http://pic.twitter.com/kl4CQefdY9
— GOLF.com (@golf_com) April 3, 2017
As word spread, Tiger Woods weighed in on Twitter, stating that “viewers at home should not be officials wearing stripes.”
Viewers at home should not be officials wearing stripes. Let's go @Lexi, win this thing anyway.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 3, 2017
Thompson, who appeared in tears at first, regrouped to force a playoff but lost to So Yeon Ryu, Golf magazine reported.
“It’s unfortunate what happened,” Thompson said. “I did not mean that at all. I didn’t realize I did that. I felt strong through the finish, and it was great to see the fans behind me.”
In its explanation, the LPGA stated that officials “quickly investigated” news of the infraction but did not address the controversy over its source.
Our statement regarding Lexi Thompson penalty. http://pic.twitter.com/bQrlIFrebQ
— LPGA (@LPGA) April 3, 2017
It’s difficult to picture such an incident happening in other games. Imagine, for instance, if fans watching Monday’s NCAA title basketball game between North Carolina and Gonzaga were allowed a chance to decide the outcome.
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April 03, 2017 at 08:47PM
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