Major Winner Minjee Lee Penalized for Extra Training Club in Her Bag
Minjee Lee received a two-shot penalty during the third round of the Annika tournament after carrying a golf club that was being used as a training aid, bringing her total club count above the permitted 14 clubs.
Lee discovered the extra club after completing the first hole at Pelican Golf Club and removed it before teeing off on the second hole. According to Rule 4.1b, this limited her penalty to two shots instead of the maximum four-shot penalty that could apply for carrying extra clubs.
Despite the penalty, Lee managed to play the remaining 17 holes at three-under par, finishing with a one-under 69 for the round. She followed that with a 70 in the final round and qualified for the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship.
Similar incidents have occurred before, most recently when PGA Tour pro Joel Dahmen carried an extra 4-iron for three holes during the Shriners Children's Open first round. Dahmen later explained it was an accidental inclusion that he discovered on the 4th tee.
The rule violation falls under Rule 4.1b (1), with penalties described in Rule 4.1b (4). While pros occasionally exceed the 14-club limit, it's uncommon for the extra club to be specifically intended as a training aid, making Lee's situation unique.