The LPGA has made the decision to suspend prominent American golfers Nelly Korda and Lexi Thompson following their allegations against Lydia Ko, the champion of the 2024 AIG Women’s Open, accusing her of cheating during the tournament.
The LPGA has made the decision to suspend prominent American golfers Nelly Korda and Lexi Thompson following their allegations against Lydia Ko, the champion of the 2024 AIG Women’s Open, accusing her of cheating during the tournament. These claims emerged in the aftermath of the event and included severe criticism of Ko’s playing style…
The LPGA has made the decision to suspend prominent American golfers Nelly Korda and Lexi Thompson following their allegations against Lydia Ko, the champion of the 2024 AIG Women’s Open, accusing her of cheating during the tournament.
These claims emerged in the aftermath of the event and included severe criticism of Ko’s playing style and the officiating, thereby overshadowing the final major of the women’s golf season. The incident unfolded at the Old Course at St. Andrews, where Lydia Ko achieved a remarkable two-shot victory. While celebrations were underway, tensions escalated behind the scenes as Korda and Thompson, two leading figures in U.S.
women’s golf, reportedly voiced their dissatisfaction with Ko’s performance, insinuating that she employed unauthorized tactics during the competition. The allegations primarily focused on Ko’s strategy for handling the challenging conditions, with both Korda and Thompson questioning her methods in the presence of officials.
Although the accusations were not confirmed publicly, sources indicate that Korda and Thompson believed Ko had exploited ambiguous rules during play on several critical holes. In response, the LPGA promptly initiated an investigation into the allegations.
After reviewing video evidence and consulting with tournament officials, the organization found no substantiation for Korda and Thompson’s claims. Their accusations were classified as unfounded, and their critique of Ko’s performance was regarded as unsportsmanlike.
In a firm statement, LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan underscored the importance of integrity in the sport, asserting, “The LPGA holds all players to the highest standards of professionalism and respect for the game. Any accusations that undermine the spirit of fair play, especially without evidence, will not be tolerated.”
