Another curious penalty costs Lexi Thompson 2 shots at LPGA Thailand

Lexi Thompson believed she was two strokes closer to the second-round lead at the Honda LPGA Thailand but when she went to sign for a 6-under score after Friday’s second round, the 2016 winner of the Thai event learned she had incurred a two-shot penalty for improperly dealing with an obstruction.

Thompson, who went on a birdie barrage, with six during an eight-hole run, posted a 68 instead of the 66 she believed she had scored, thanks to a double bogey-6 on the par-4 15th at Siam Country Club. She learned of her infraction in the scoring area.

The unfortunate situation unfolded on No. 15, when Thompson moved an advertising sign after her ball came to rest near it. In this case, the signage was considered an immovable — rather than a moveable — obstruction, but Thompson was unaware of the difference until an official gave her the bad news before she signed her scorecard.

“During the second round of the Honda LPGA Thailand, Lexi Thompson incurred a two-stroke penalty on hole 15 for breach of the Local Rule regarding temporary immovable obstructions as prescribed in Appendix 1,” the LPGA said in a statement, according to Golf Digest. “The Supplementary Rules of Play for the Honda LPGA Thailand state that advertising boards are temporary immovable obstructions.”

Unusual penalties seem to be par for the course for the nine-time tour winner. While Friday’s violation was not as onerous as the four-shot mishap during the 2017 ANA Inspiration, nor phoned in by a TV viewer, Thompson’s latest breach put her at 10-under for the week — six shots off the 16-under pace set by 36-hole frontrunner Jessica Korda, who set a new course record with a 62 in her second round.

We’re guessing the next time Thompson faces a questionable situation on the course, she’ll call an official over to help her navigate the dos and don’ts of the rules of golf.