Social Spotlight: Lexi Thompson ruling kicks up Twitter storm

For Dustin Johnson and Anna Nordqvist it is a familiar story.

Now, Lexi Thompson is the latest player to fall foul to a breach of rules which saw the USGA enforce a four shot penalty nearly a whole day after the incident.

On Saturday Thompson marked her ball on the ninth green and nothing else was thought of it. Until, one eagle-eyed viewer emailed in to say 22-year-old had incorrectly replaced her ball.

After a video review nearly a whole day later she was penalised two shots for an incorrect ball placement and two more for signing an incorrect scorecard on the 12th tee during her final round.

We’ve rounded up how golfers, sportsmen and non golfers have reacted to the ruling and Lexi’s narrow play-off defeat…

Well it was an emotional day here for me, first off I do want to say what I had done was 100% not intentional at all I didn't realize I had done that. I want to say thank you to all the sponsors, volunteers and Mission Hills for making this week possible at the @anainspiration ! Also to the fans out there, words can't describe what you being there for me, meant to me. You helped me push thru those last holes so thank you for always believing in me. A big thanks to my caddy as well for always staying positive and being there for me when it got tough. I played some great golf so definitely a lot of positives to take from the week. Time for a very needed 3 weeks off now. Thank you everybody ❤

A post shared by Lexi Thompson (@lexi) on Apr 2, 2017 at 8:25pm PDT

I had a fantastic week. Another close call. Hats off to @lexi the way she handled a brutal call on the course. CLASS ACT. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. BELIEVE ME. Big congrats to my good friend @1soyeonryu on the win.

A post shared by Suzann Pettersen (@suzannpettersen) on Apr 2, 2017 at 7:24pm PDT

Viewers at home should not be officials wearing stripes. Let’s go @Lexi, win this thing anyway.

— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 3, 2017

So does that mean if a viewer calls in a ruling on the winner after the tournament is over, is the trophy taken away….? Wtf

— Alison Lee (@alisonlee) April 3, 2017

Come on @Lexi you can do it!!!!!
We really need to do something about people being able to call in. Especially days later ??. Poor girl

— Brittany Lincicome (@Brittany1golf) April 3, 2017

Dissapointed to see it happen again. I know how you feel @Lexi – You played the best! #changetherules

— Anna Nordqvist (@ANordqvist) April 3, 2017

???@Lexi is SO CLASSY. Handled that with grace and fight. Career defining moment. https://t.co/CEzHlckCpE

— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) April 3, 2017

Such a bummer. Gutted for @Lexi. Played her heart out and fought back so hard.. She deserved the W!

— Justin Thomas (@JustinThomas34) April 3, 2017

@Lexi , you showed tremendous heart out there. I applaud you for being such a class act ????

— Ariya jutanugarn (@jutanugarn) April 3, 2017

Today I witnessed @Lexi define the name of the tournament. Her class, grace, and guts were nothing short of being truly inspirational.

— Jerry Foltz (@JerryFoltzGC) April 3, 2017

Feeling for Lexi…some things in sports just don’t make sense. Unreal fortitude shown. Heart of a champion.

— Zach Johnson (@ZachJohnsonPGA) April 3, 2017

Bizarre finish to this years @ANAinspiration really feel for @Lexi tough situation, she handle herself with class and fought back hard

— Annika Sorenstam (@ANNIKA59) April 3, 2017

Come on @Lexi!!! Make this putt! The whole world is pulling for you!!

— Billy Horschel (@BillyHo_Golf) 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

She has tears. We’ve got goosebumps. And if this eagle putt goes it’ll be one of the most amazing things in this history of this goofy sport

— Shane Bacon (@shanebacon) April 3, 2017

Unbelievable… really need to CHANGE and do something about people being able to call in!

— Lydia Ko (@LydiaKo) April 3, 2017

Another rough day for the deep dark complex rules of golf. Simplification cannot come quick enough.

— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) April 3, 2017