Top 4 Controversies that Engulfed the Golf World in 2017

Posted by Admin 26 Dec 2017

The year that will soon be in the footnotes of history produced a stream of controversies that rocked the Golf world. We bring you the top 4 controversies in Golf that generated a lot buzz and garnered headlines in 2017.

1. Lexi Thompson

Lexi Thompson Golf controversy 2017

When Lexi Thompson was winning away to glory, she was informed of a retroactive 4-stroke penalty. She lost her title and this triggered a huge controversy on viewer call-ins and their place in Golf.

Recently, United States Golf Association (USGA) and R&A issued a joint statement citing that beginning January 1 2018, golf's major professional tours will no longer allow viewer call-ins to dictate potential rules violations captured on television broadcasts. Now, that was a major breather for all pro golfers!

2. LPGA Dress Code

LPGA dress code controversy

LPGA stirred the hornet's nest by issuing new guidelines that called for a ban on plunging necklines, a skirt or shorts. Women pro golfers were informed that they could be fined $1,000 for not following the dress code. The dress code row saw a lot of players including Michelle Wie expressing their dissatisfaction against the same.

3. Jon Rahm

2017 proved to be a year of high and lows for Spanish Golfer Jon Rahm. While the year saw him rising to number 4 in the Official World Golf Rankings, he also stirred controversies to say the least. His controversies included a temper tantrum and unacceptable on course behaviour at the US Open and two different rules issues.

Lee Westwood called him out mid-round for a possible rule violation at the British Open, which came just one week after a ball-marking issue at the Irish Open.

4. Weather Woes

A slew of LPGA players protested strongly after combating some grave weather conditions at the McKayson New Zealand Women’s Open. Video that surfaced revealed terrific wind gusts and unideal as well as not-so-safe playing conditions. This also sparked row regarding conditions for women’s golf in general and came shortly after a controversial new LPGA dress code.