Players wait in the urban range after play is suspended due to a lightning forecast. [Photo provided by KGA]
Players wait in the urban range after play is suspended due to a lightning forecast. [Photo provided by KGA]

Han A-reum has been disqualified from the Mercedes-Benz Korea Women's Open, a national title event, after violating the rules governing play suspension triggered by a lightning forecast.

The Korea Golf Association said a lightning warning was issued during the final round Sunday at Lakewood Country Club in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province, prompting officials to sound the horn at 3:25 p.m. to suspend play. Han, who was on the 18th hole (par 4) at the time, completed a putt after the horn sounded and was disqualified.

Under Rule 5.7 of the Rules of Golf, players must stop play immediately upon the official signal for a lightning warning or other dangerous condition and move to a safe location without delay. Han was disqualified for breaching that rule. At the time she stood at 6 under par, tied for 22nd, but received no prize money as a result.

Han is in her second year as a professional and currently ranks 80th on the money list. Had she completed the round without incident, she would have collected 16 million won (about $10,500) from the high-purse event. The loss of that payout is expected to significantly hurt her chances of retaining her tour card.


sports@heraldcorp.com