Thompson denied Major win in controversial fashion

But three birdies in her last six holes still wasn't enough to overcome the penalty and forced her into a sudden death playoff with So Yeon Ryu that she lost.

American Lexi Thompson was leading by three shots during the final round when she was informed by tournament officials she would be penalised for an incident which took place the previous day.

Thompson was two shots clear on 17 under having just bogeyed the 12th hole when she got the news from tournament officials that she was being punished for incorrectly replacing a marked ball on the 17th green on Saturday.

Thompson also received another retroactive two-stroke penalty for signing an incorrect scorecard something she says she didn't realize she did until the viewer sent in their email the next day. I didn't even check the leaderboard, Lexi was playing so well. I really enjoy play this week and I just didn't make a lot of putts like I did before. "I wasn't expecting what happened today. I played under a little pressure as it's the first Major of the year", said Ariya who would remain at No 2.

South Korean Park In-bee, Minjee Lee of Australia and Suzann Pettersen of Norway finished tied for third at 13-under.

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) were quick to defend their actions and released a statement after they made a decision to hand her the penalty.

Thompson bogeyed the 12th hole before she was informed of the penalties, with the tv audience having already discovered that she had dropped four shots.

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Thompson was assessed another two-stroke penalty for signing an incorrect scorecard.

She posted again Monday thanking her fans and congratulating the victor of the tournament, South Korea's So Yeon Ryu. I love you all and the game of golf, and I look forward to seeing all of you very soon.

"I can't go to bed tonight knowing I let a rule slide", Witters said. Thompson asked. After being assured it wasn't, she responded: "This is ridiculous".

Thompson's support extended to the digital realm, where Tiger Woods immediately offered his thoughts on Twitter.

After being reviewed by LPGA Rules officials, Thompson was deemed to have in fact breached Rule 20-7c.

PGA Tour players reacted with the same fierceness that they did after Dustin Johnson was penalized during the U.S. Open in 2016.

For her part, Thompson handled the entire thing with class.