Ana Pelaez Trivino, a rookie on the LPGA circuit, was competing in her third AIG Women’s Open at St. Andrews this year. Despite playing well in the tricky conditions with rounds of 72 and 74, she found herself 10 strokes behind the halfway leader Nelly Korda but comfortably inside the cut line for the first time in her career in a major tournament.
However, Trivino’s hopes of advancing to the weekend were dashed when the R&A announced that she had been disqualified due to a rules violation. The violation occurred when her caddie, Miguel Evangelio Gomez-Escolar, used a distance measuring device on the 10th and 18th holes during the second round, which was prohibited under Model Local Rule GS.
If Gomez-Escolar had only used the device once, Trivino would have incurred a two-shot penalty but likely still made the cut. Unfortunately, the second usage of the device led to a violation of Rule 4.3, resulting in her disqualification from the tournament.
This disqualification could be costly for Trivino, who has struggled to make cuts in her LPGA starts this season, with only three cuts made in 10 tournaments. Her best finish so far came last week with a T-48 at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open.
Despite the setback, Trivino’s performance in the AIG Women’s Open showcased her potential as a rising star on the tour. As a newcomer to the LPGA circuit, she has already proven her ability to compete with the best in challenging conditions and will no doubt continue to improve with experience.
The incident has also brought attention to the importance of adhering to tournament rules and regulations, emphasizing the need for players and caddies to be well-versed in the rules of golf to avoid costly errors that could impact their performance in tournaments.
Moving forward, Trivino can use this experience as motivation to sharpen her focus on the course and ensure that all rules and guidelines are followed meticulously to prevent any future issues that could hinder her progress in her professional career.
As she continues to gain experience and confidence on the LPGA circuit, Trivino’s perseverance and determination will undoubtedly help her overcome setbacks like this disqualification and propel her towards future success in the world of professional golf. With the support of her team and dedication to her craft, she has the potential to achieve great things in the sport.
