In an unusual turn of events, Nasa Hataoka was disqualified after the first round of the ShopRite LPGA Classic due to a timing issue with locating her lost ball, underscoring the stringent nature of the Rules of Golf. Hataoka, a prominent figure on the LPGA Tour, started her first round on the back nine and was performing admirably. However, on her final hole, the ninth, she hit her second shot into the long fescue surrounding the green. Despite her efforts, and those of her caddie, to locate the ball, it was eventually found outside the three-minute search limit imposed by Rule 18.2a.
LPGA Tour has released a statement regarding the disqualification of Nasa Hataoka
In an official statement, the LPGA Tour clarified: “During the first round of the LPGA Shoprite Classic, Nasa Hataoka played her second shot on No. 9 into the long fescue surrounding the green, her last hole of the day. After reviewing video footage provided to the LPGA following the round, it was determined that the search for Nasa’s ball lasted longer than the three minutes allowed under Rule 18.2a. After three minutes of search, the ball is considered lost, and the player must proceed under stroke and distance (Rule 18.2b).”
Statement on Nasa Hataoka’s disqualification from the ShopRite LPGA Classic:
— LPGA Media (@LPGAMedia) June 8, 2024
During the first round of the LPGA Shoprite Classic, Nasa Hataoka played her second shot on No. 9 into the long fescue surrounding the green, her last hole of the day. After reviewing video footage…
Hataoka’s situation became even more complicated when she played from the wrong place after the ball was found. The rules specify that if a player does not play from the correct spot, they are in breach of Rule 14.7. Since Hataoka played from a position that could potentially offer a significant advantage compared to where she should have played from, this was considered a serious breach, resulting in disqualification as it was not corrected in time.
Had her score stood, Hataoka would have signed for a six-under-par round of 65, placing her four strokes behind the leader, Arpichaya Yubol, who nearly broke the 60-barrier with an impressive 10-under round of 61.
