Lottie Woad received a two-stroke penalty during the third round of the U.S. Women’s Open for a bunker infringement at Riviera Country Club. The ruling, for a breach of Rule 8.1a, changed her score on the ninth hole from a bogey-five to a triple-bogey-seven and proved costly for the English player.
The incident occurred after Woad’s approach shot found a greenside bunker. While addressing the ball, she lost her balance in the sand. Officials later determined she had improved the conditions affecting her stroke, though she was only informed of the penalty two holes later. The two added shots contributed to a third-round 74, leaving the world number six at seven-over par for the tournament heading into the final day.
While Woad’s round was derailed, compatriot Charley Hull moved into contention with the low round of the tournament. The three-time LPGA Tour winner shot a six-under-par 69 to take the clubhouse lead at three-under. Hull, who finished as runner-up in the event three years ago, is still seeking her first major championship victory.
Hull attributed her performance to a relaxed mindset, stating a preference for being in pursuit of the leaders. “I kind of like chasing,” she said. This approach allows her to play with more freedom. “I just find it more fun and I can then be free and play how I want to play golf. I overthink things ridiculously and then get myself really tired, so it’s just sometimes I need nothing in my mind and just go out and play, a distraction.”
