Mizuho Americas Open 2024 witnesses ‘right-thinking’ withdrawal after forgetting mistake

The Mizuho Americas Open on the LPGA Tour has a unique format that allows for the active participation of junior golfers. 24 top junior amateur players have had the opportunity to play at Liberty National Golf Club alongside the 120 pros since the event’s inauguration in 2023. But this year, that number is down to 23!

In a drastic turn of events, 212th-ranked amateur golfer Mia Hammond has been disqualified from the 2024 Mizuho Americas Open. The LPGA Tour shared the news of her disqualification along with the reason for it. After the first round, the 16-year-old signed her scorecard incorrectly. According to LPGA Tour guidelines, her actions violated both rules 3.3b(3) in conjunction with 21.1b(3). Setting an example of true sportsmanship, Hammond herself reported the accident.

So, what does rule number 3.3b (3) say? It says once the round is over, golfers should carefully check the scorecard for any problems and report them to the LPGA Tour committee. However, the scorer cannot change the scores on the scorecards without committee approval and if a golfer fails to follow the rule it results in disqualification.

Something similar happened on the men’s circuit when Jordan Spieth missigned his scorecard and was disqualified from the 2024 Genesis Invitational. Hammond’s disqualification marks the fifth exit from the Michelle Wie West-hosted event, as even the defending champion did not continue the Mizuho Americas Open 2024.

What was the common reason for withdrawals from the Mizuho Americas Open?

With the exception of Mia Hammond’s self-inflicted disqualification, all four withdrawals were due to illness, rumored to be the flu. In the early hours of the Mizuho Americas Open, one-time LPGA Tour winner Caroline Masson’s plans to play at Liberty National Golf Course were disrupted due to illness. Following her were Maja Stark, who also cited illness as the reason for her withdrawal, and Lindsey Weaver Wright, who was dealing with an injury.

Already, three golfers had withdrawn from the second edition of the Mizuho Americas Open. Health issues continued at the New Jersey event, as after playing three holes (10th, 11th and 12th), defending champion Rose Zhang said she was suffering from severe intestinal pain and ‘she couldn’t continue on the greens of New Jersey. The withdrawal came as a shock, but Zhang hoped to return next year, as she wished all remaining golfers the best for the week.

The Mizuho Americas Open has proven to be a starting ground for many top golfers and, although it took a drastic turn, it was a gift for South Korean rookie So Mi Lee. The 25-year-old found herself back on the field after Stark’s withdrawal and is now the leader through 18 holes after the round concluded at Liberty National!

The second round has hours to start; Will Lee maintain her lead after her happy admission to the field? That remains to be seen.