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Natthakritta Vongtaveelap’s first U.S. Women’s Open experience was cut short.

The 20-year-old rising Thai star was disqualified in the first round after her caddie used a rangefinder on multiple holes at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Rangefinders are allowed at most LPGA events — and during practice rounds and recreational play — though the U.S. Open is run by the USGA.

“During the first round, on multiple occasions, the caddie for Natthakritta Vongtaveelap used a distance measuring device, which is not allowed in the U.S. Women’s Open,” the USGA said in a statement. “The first breach is a general penalty, and the second breach resulted in disqualification.”

Vongtaleep was at par through five holes on Thursday after missing the cut at the Women’s PGA Championship last week.

She is far from the first golfer to have succumbed to the rangefinder error.


  Natthakritta Vongtaveelap of Thailand plays her shot from the 14th tee during the first round of the 78th U.S. Women’s Open. Getty Images Natthakritta Vongtaveelap of Thailand plays her shot from the 14th tee during the first round of the 78th U.S. Women’s Open. Getty Images

Zach Williams received a DQ from the Korn Ferry Tour’s Memorial Health Championship last week after he used a rangefinder, which is not allowed on the men’s developmental tour.

“I should have known, and its [sic] completely on me,” Williams, a first-year pro tweeted. “Hard to swallow but you have to. I’ll be back in no time.”

The same can likely be said of Vongtaveelap, who was a runner-up at the Honda LPGA Thailand tournament and tied for sixth at the LOTTE Championship, though, she’s made just one cut in her last five starts.


  Vongtaveelap’s caddie was found to have used a rangefinder on multiple holes, a no-no at the US Open. Getty Images Vongtaveelap’s caddie was found to have used a rangefinder on multiple holes, a no-no at the US Open. Getty Images

Xiyu Lin and Hyo Joo Kim entered Day 2 of the Women’s U.S. Open tied for first with a 4-under 68, with amateur Aine Donegan — also making her tournament debut — among a slew of players one back of the leaders.

“The whole thing has been a bit surreal to be honest,” Donegan, ranked 144th in the Women’s World Amateur Golf Ranking, said. “Nearly every five minutes it’s like a pinch-me movement. Even just walking to the putting green and young girls asking for autographs and stuff. It’s like, that was me. And to do it at a place like Pebble Beach is something I’ll never forget.”

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