LPGA rookie disqualified five holes into US Women’s Open
Natthakritta Vongtaveelap managed only five holes before she was disqualified at Pebble Beach after her caddie broke a golden rule at Pebble Beach more than once
Natthakritta Vongtaveelap was disqualified from the US Women’s Open at Pebble Beach after just five holes.
Her caddie, Jinsup Kim, used a distance-measuring device on multiple occasions at the famous venue, which is hosting the US Women’s Open for the first time.
“During the first round, on multiple occasions, the caddie for Natthakritta Vongtaveelap used a distance measuring device, which is not allowed in the US Women’s Open,” the USGA said in a statement.
“The first breach is a general penalty, and the second breach resulted in disqualification.”
The US Women’s Open and the AIG Women’s Open Championship are the only events on tour that don’t allow lasers. They were permitted at the KPMG Women’s PGA at Baltusrol.
The 20-year-old from Thailand finished tied for 28th at the LPGA Q-Series in 2022 which earned her a first card on the LPGA Tour.
She almost secured her first title on the circuit in February when she came second at the Honda LPGA Thailand – one shot behind Lilia Vu who subsequently won the Chevron Championship.
China’s Xiyu Lin and South Korea’s Hyo Joo Kim both carded 68s to lead the way after 18 holes in California.
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