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Jul 26th, 2018
Lexi Thompson out of British Open to get over stress
ANA 4-shot penalty still causing nightmares
Words: Tim Southwell
Lexi Thompson, world number 5, has withdrawn from the British Open in order to "recharge" her "mental batteries" after 18 months which have seen her suffer rules controversies.
Lexi was left in tears when an armchair fan called into the LPGA to report an apparent rules violation. Lexi was penalised a whopping four shots in the final round of the LPGA's first major of the season, resulting in her losing a play-off to Ryu So-yeon.
The rules have now been changed to prevent viewers calling penalties via TV.
"The events of the past year and a half (on and off the golf course) have taken a tremendous toll on me both mentally and emotionally," said Lexi via Instagram.
"It is extremely difficult for me not to play in this prestigious major."
In March, Thompson said she still had nightmares about the four-shot in April 2017.
"I realised recently that I need to take some time to work on myself," she wrote on Instagram.
"I am therefore taking this time to recharge my mental batteries, and to focus on myself away from the game of professional golf."
The British Open starts on 2 August at Royal Lytham. Lexi says she hopes to return to defend her title at the Indy Women in Tech Championship, 16th August.
