Natthakritta Vongtaveelap’s first U.S. Women’s Open is over after just five holes.
The 20-year-old Thai was disqualified after her caddie was found to have used a distance-measuring device “at least a couple times,” according to USGA rules official Kathryn Belanger. While the penalty for using a rangefinder once is two shots, multiple infractions result in disqualification.
Vongtaveelap was even par through five holes.
Rangefinders have been allowed at most LPGA events since mid-2021, but they remain prohibited at the U.S. Women’s Open.
Just last week, a player was disqualified just two holes into his Korn Ferry Tour debut for using his rangefinder twice.