Gustafson, an Embarrassed Championship

It was an uncomfortable championship.

It happened at the Woodland TPC in Houston where the Samsung World Championship was held on October 13th.

On the 4th round, Sophie Gustafson (Sweden), one of two co-leaders at the time, stood over a birdie putt on the 14th green (par 3). She was in an addressing position to hit the putt, but she backed off as the ball rolled down a slope. Subsequently, she was also expected to replace a divot on the 15th green (par 5). It seemed that she would have penalties in both cases.

After reducing her score by eight strokes, Gustafson won the game. However, she had to review the incidents by videotape and re-enact what she did on the ground before she was admitted as a real winner.

Gustafson is dating LPGA Tour commissioner Ty Votaw. Therefore, it is possible to lead to a misunderstanding that she won the game due to assistance from her fiancé although this is her first LPGA championship after fighting the rule disputes.

On the other hand, Park Seri (CJ), who was in second place the previous day, remained in 5th place with a 1-over 73, a total of 9-under after she missed iron shots and made unstable putts. She is coming to Korea on October 14 to match against male players at SBS male championship that will be held on October 23. Park Ji-eun (Nike golf) remained in 7th place (7-under).

Han Hee-won (FILA Korea), in 13th place, passed the $1 million earnings mark for the first time since she made her professional debut three years ago.

Jong-Seok Kim kjs0123@donga.com