US Women’s Open: Lottie Wade given two-shot penalty for bunker violation in third round | golf news

Lottie Wade was given a two-stroke penalty for a rule violation in the bunker during the third round of the US Women’s Open on Saturday.

The 22-year-old, who made his tournament debut this week, was judged to have improved his position in the sand trap on the ninth hole at Riviera Country Club, resulting in a penalty under Rule 8.1a of the Regulations.

The breach saw the budding English superstar go from a bogey five to a triple-bogey seven heading around the turn.

After finding a hazard on his approach shot, Wade lost his balance in the sand before recovering to finish the hole but was later informed of a two-hole penalty.

Wade, who is currently ranked sixth in the world, made the cut at just four over par after his second round, but shot 74 to end the tournament’s seven-over day on Saturday.

Compatriot Charlie Hull enjoyed a better day than Wade. The three-time LPGA Tour winner, who is still aiming to break his big duck by finishing runner-up in the tournament three years ago, shot six under par for the day.

That 69 was the lowest round so far of the tournament and saw Hull move to three under par and the clubhouse lead for the tournament.

“I like the chase,” she said. “I find it more fun and then I can be free and play the way I want to play golf.

“I ridiculously overthink things and then tire myself out really, so sometimes I don’t need to think about anything and just go out and play, a distraction.”

Watch the US Women’s Open live on Sky Sports with final round coverage on Sunday at 11pm on Sky Sports. Get Sky Sports or Golf Stream with no contract

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