Thai golfer disqualified at US Women’s Open when caddie uses rangefinder

The USGA said the Thai’s caddie used the distance-measuring device on multiple occasions. She was even par through the 14th hole — having started on No. 10 — when she was disqualified.

FILE PHOTO: Natthakritta Vongtaveelap of Thailand looks on from the 13th green during the second round of the Mizuho Americas Open at Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey on June 2, 2023. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Natthakritta Vongtaveelap of Thailand only made it through five holes Thursday in the US Women’s Open when she was disqualified for her caddie using a rangefinder.

The USGA said the Thai’s caddie used the distance-measuring device on multiple occasions. She was even par through the 14th hole — having started on No. 10 — when she was disqualified.

Such devices are allowed at LPGA Tour-sanctioned events except for the U.S. Women’s Open, which is run by the USGA, and the Women’s British Open run by the R&A.

Vongtaveelap missed the cut last week in the Women’s PGA Championship. The PGA of America allows rangefinders, hopeful it will help with the pace of play for when players get out of position and might need extra time to measure distances.