LPGA contender DQ’s herself after calling out cheat

A pro golfer has disqualified herself from LPGA Q School after calling out another player for cheating.

Gabby Lemieux claims she accidentally signed a wrong scorecard amid a battle to ‘protect the field’.

The 27-year-old, who competed in last year’s U.S. Women’s Open, was a DQ from Stage 1 of the qualifying event in California.

After the incident, Lemieux explained the situation on her Instagram.

She said: “Another player and I called out a cheater today for marking and replacing her ball incorrectly.

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“While in the scoring area, we hashed it out to figure out what we needed to do. In the process of doing so, I signed a wrong score card.

“I was sitting in the car when I noticed they had me for a 74. I marched back in there to make sure that the score wasn’t just wrong online.

“Unfortunately, I did sign a wrong score card, and I am DQ from Stage 1. I did my part to save the field from a cheater.

“I was too consumed with that to realise a score was wrong on my score card. I am glad that I noticed it and called myself out.

“We need more honest people and better professionals to hold themselves to higher standards, so we don’t have to worry about this.

“Protecting the field cost me my own way.”

After three rounds of 70, 73, and 74, respectively, the American shot 75 in her fourth round which included a bogey on the 15th hole.

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Lemieux confirmed to the scorer that she had shot 75 but noticed after leaving the scoring area that she had been marked down for a 74.

The mishap was on that 15th hole, where Lemieux was given a par.

The Epson Tour member also confirmed that the alleged cheat was spotted by her playing partners and their caddies.

She said: “The person didn’t put their ball back correctly, unfortunately. It’s not my word against hers.

“If you want to play professional golf, even if it was half an inch off… it is still cheating.

“I don’t cheat, and I just wish others would follow.”

Despite disqualifying herself, Lemieux would have missed the cut for Stage 2 had her final round score been added.