Thaindian News

Aug 23 (THAINDIAN NEWS) Juli Inkster had the chance to become the oldest player in the history of the women’s LPGA tour to win a tournament until a fan who was watching the Golf Channel emailed officials and told them that Inkster had been witnessed using an illegal device during practice.

Hall of Famer, Juli Inkster was disqualified from the tour for allegedly using a weighted donut device to warm up during practice at the Ghost Creek Course in North Plains, Oregon. She was only following the leader by three shots, which was eight under after the first two rounds, when the illegal act was perpetrated, and she used the donut while waiting at the tenth hole, at the tee.

‘The Oregonian’ reports that Inkster had just given an interview with the ‘Golf Channel’ and then placed the donut on her 9 iron in order to loosen up before her next shot. As the Golf Channel was airing footage of her practicing, a viewer saw the donut, and felt it necessary to point out the indiscretion to tournament officials in an email.

The LPGA rules staff was then notified, and Inkster was disqualified for violating rule number 14-3 of the United States Golf Association’s rules of golf. This rule states that practice devices cannot be used during rounds, and specifically names the donut device such as the one Inkster was using.

According to LPGA rules official Sue Witter, “I didn’t see her put it on, but you see her swing it a couple of times and then you see her walk over and take it off.” Witter went on to say that she informed Inkster that she was disqualified after she had completed the round. Witter said that Inkster was shocked that she had broken the rule.

Although Inkster did not comment to reporters after being disqualified, she told an LPGA media relations staff personnel that she was simply trying to loosen up while waiting her thirty minutes at the tee between shots. She issued the following statement, “It had no effect on my game whatsoever, but it is what it is. I’m very disappointed.”