Shock DQ: US women’s team disqualified by Spirit International
Team USA suffered a blow but promises to fight to the end (Spirit video screenshot)
Team USA dropped out of the race for the Spirit International Amateur overall title in 2019 after the women’s team was disqualified after the first round.
After the first round at Whispering Pines Golf Club, the USA women’s team signed a false scorecard and was disqualified from the competition under rule 23.2b of the Rules of Golf.
Here’s what happened: On the third par 3 hole, the women’s team scored a 2 for Emilia Migliaccio; However, Kaitlyn Papp was the player who made the 2 on this hole. No other team score was recorded for the women’s team on the third hole. According to rule 23.2b, which applies to four-ball stroke play, the score for the hole must be reported to the correct partner.
The bug was reported by Team USA itself.
Although the USA women’s team has been disqualified, the USA men’s team will continue to compete in both the men’s team championship and the men’s individual championship.
Team USA is no longer eligible to participate in the combined international championship.
“Playing within the rules is the essence of The Spirit and its competitors,” said Team USA Captain Stacy Lewis. “While Team USA is certainly disappointed, they understand the implications. The fact that Emilia and Kaitlyn want to keep playing without fighting for the championship shows their true spirit, integrity and love for this great game. “
In the men’s team championship, the USA men’s team (Cole Hammer, Andy Ogletree) shot a 6-under 66 in best-ball format and is tied in fifth place, three strokes behind France (Julien Sale, Adrien Pendaries).
“We were without a bogey and I think we got off to a pretty good start,” said Hammer, a sophomore from the University of Texas in Houston, who won the US Walker Cup this summer with Spirit International teammate Ogletree. Team played. “That was a great experience today. Every time you wear red, white and blue it really is something special. I had this experience at the Walker Cup a few months ago and we enjoy doing it again so soon with another Walker Cupper on my team. “
France leads the overall competition
The French captain Patricia Meunier LeBouc captured the performance of her team perfectly after her men’s and women’s teams shot 16 under par 128 in the opening round of the Spirit International Amateur Golf Championship 2019 at Whispering Pines Golf Club. France lead two strokes ahead of New Zealand and the Republic of Korea go into the second round on Friday.
“You caught the spirit,” said LeBouc with a smile. “You were brilliant. The girls didn’t start the way they wanted; they were only 1-under on the top nine. But they kept their courage and remained patient. I think that’s the key to this format. “
Round 1 of #TheSpirit is in the books!
Team France have a two-shot lead after a great day at Whispering Pines. pic.twitter.com/Ug1C4KbrUH
– Spirit International (@thespiritgolf) November 7, 2019
The French Pauline Roussin Bouchard and Candice Mahe caught fire on their back nine and shot 6-under. They finished the day 7 under 65, which was good for a share of second place in the women’s championship. The French combined to shoot 9-under 63 crossed by the seven birdies of Pendaries. France leads the men’s team championship, and Pendaries ranks only behind New Zealander Jack Trent in the men’s singles leaderboard.
“Seeing the guys doing so well in the top nine inspired our girls,” said LeBouc. “At the end of our ninth hole, Pauline asked me how the boys were doing. I told her they were under 6 and she said, ‘Okay, we have to hit her on the back.’ She likes the game within the game. “
Showing results for The Spirit International Amateur
ABOUT THE The Spirit International Amateur
The Spirit International Amateur Golf Championship is a world-class golf event that is held every two years. It presents the world’s best amateur men and women golfers who represent their respective countries in team and individual competitions. The 96 participants enjoy an Olympic experience from the opening / closing ceremony, the international village and the battle for gold medals.
The World Health & Golf Association and Texas Golf Association invite 24 countries from six continents to participate. The Spirit was founded in 2001 and is a biennial event that alternates tournament years with the World Amateur Team Championships.
The uniqueness of Spirit International includes the five simultaneous competitions: Combined International Championship, Men’s Team Championship, Women’s Team Championship, Men’s Singles and Ladies Singles.
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