The LPGA has taken action against two of its top players, Lydia Ko and Lexi Thompson, for their actions during the 2024 Rolex Player of the Year voting process. Both players have been suspended indefinitely for publicly accusing USA’s Nelly Korda of cheating and making disparaging remarks about the voting method..
The LPGA has taken action against two of its top players, Lydia Ko and Lexi Thompson, for their actions during the 2024 Rolex Player of the Year voting process. Both players have been suspended indefinitely for publicly accusing USA’s Nelly Korda of cheating and making disparaging remarks about the voting method.
The controversy began when Ko and Thompson claimed that Korda had manipulated the voting process to win the prestigious Player of the Year award. They alleged that Korda had unfairly influenced the voting panel and had not earned the title through her performance on the course. In addition, both players made derogatory comments about the way in which the votes were cast and counted.
These accusations have sparked outrage within the LPGA community, with many players and fans calling for a thorough investigation into the voting process. The LPGA has since launched an inquiry into the matter, but has found no evidence to support Ko and Thompson’s claims of cheating.
In a statement, the LPGA announced that it is taking a firm stance against any form of misconduct or defamation within the organization. The suspensions of Ko and Thompson serve as a warning to all players that such behavior will not be tolerated.
It is unclear how long the suspensions will last, but both players will be forced to sit out of upcoming tournaments until further notice. The LPGA is also considering additional disciplinary actions against Ko and Thompson for their actions.
The incident has cast a shadow over the 2024 Rolex Player of the Year award, with many questioning the integrity of the voting process. The LPGA has assured fans and players that steps will be taken to ensure the fairness and transparency of future awards.
In the meantime, Nelly Korda has been cleared of any wrongdoing and will retain her Player of the Year title. The LPGA is hopeful that the controversy will soon be put to rest, allowing players to focus on their performance on the course rather than off of it.