PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Natthakritta Vongtaveelap of Thailand only made it through five holes Thursday in the U.S. Women’s Open when she was disqualified for her caddie using a rangefinder.
The USGA said the Thai’s caddie used the distance-measuring device on multiple occasions. She was even par through the 14th hole — having started on No. 10 — when she was disqualified.
Such devices are allowed at LPGA Tour-sanctioned events except for the U.S. Women’s Open, which is run by the USGA, and the Women’s British Open run by the R&A.
Vongtaveelap missed the cut last week in the Women’s PGA Championship.
Thailand's Natthakritta Vongtaveelap was informed she had been disqualified after her caddie broke the rules five holes into the round.
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) July 6, 2023
The PGA of America allows rangefinders, hopeful it will help with pace of play for when players get out of position and might need extra time to measure distances.
