Lottie Woad faced a challenging situation during the third round of the U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera Country Club. This incident occurred at the 9th hole, where her ball became lodged in a steep bunker. The primary concern was her ability to achieve a stable stance.
Bunker Incident Details
As Woad attempted to find her footing in the bunker, her caddie, David Taylor, provided assistance. He positioned his foot behind hers in an effort to stabilize her. However, despite their efforts, Woad struggled with her footing and even slipped back into the bunker at one point.
After a discussion with a tournament official, Woad and Taylor requested a review, suspecting that bunker liner might provide relief. Unfortunately, their request was denied after a seven-minute consultation. Woad eventually managed to strike the ball, but it only advanced an inch before sliding backward.
Penalty Assessment
After making another shot that brought her ball closer to the hole, Woad initially believed she had made a bogey five. However, an official review soon revealed that she had been assessed a two-stroke penalty. This was due to a violation of Rule 8.1a, which pertains to improving one’s stance in a bunker.
The penalty was officially announced at 12:20 p.m. local time in Los Angeles. Although there were concerns about Woad’s actions during the broadcast, the penalty was only enforced after further review.
Broadcast Reactions
Throughout the coverage, commentators expressed unease regarding Woad’s attempts to stabilize her stance. They noted instances where she appeared to manipulate the sand, indicating a potential breach of the rules. This included her caddie digging in the sand to assist her balance, which could also be interpreted as creating a stance.
Final Results
Despite the difficulties, Woad managed to finish the round with a three-over par 74. She played the remaining holes under par, demonstrating resilience despite the frustrating circumstances.
Woad’s experience serves as a reminder of the complexities athletes face in high-stakes tournaments, where every decision and action is scrutinized under the rules of the game.
