Brittany Lang wins 2016 US Women’s Open after bunker rules controversy: video highlights

Just like the men’s US Open, the US Women’s Open was overshadowed by a rules controversy during the final round.

American Brittany Lang won the 2016 US Women’s Open after beating Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist in a playoff but as with the men’s version, the tournament did not come without some major controversy.

Lang and Nordqvist finished in a tie for the lead at 6-under par and under the rules of the Women’s US Open, were sent out to play three holes to determine the winner.

After both players made par at the first playoff hole (the 16th) Nordqvist played out of a fairway bunker on the next hole where video replays detected that she made contact with the sand prior to her backswing. IT was subtle and hard to see if it wasn’t for slow motion video, but it sent the wheels of the USGA rules officials into motion.

Both players went on to par the hole while the incident was reviewed. While it was a clear rules infringement – a two-shot penalty (and surprising the Nordqvist had her club so close to the sand in the first place), how the players were notified got golf fans irate.

Nordqvist was told after she had played her shot to the green at the final playoff hole, while Lang was told prior to her approach shot allowing her to play knowing she held a two shot lead.

Nordqvist missed a short putt while Lang made her par to seal a three-shot playoff victory.

Overnight leader Kydia Ko carded a surprising 3-over par 75 to miss the playoff by two shots.

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