Woad given two-shot penalty for bunker infringement at US Women's Open

Lottie Woad was handed a two-stroke penalty during the third round of the US Women's Open on Saturday following a rule breach in a bunker.

The 22-year-old, who is making her debut at the tournament this week, was adjudged to have improved her stance in the sand trap on the ninth hole at Riviera Country Club, resulting in a penalty under Rule 8.1a of the regulations.

The infringement saw the rising English superstar move from picking up a bogey five to taking a triple-bogey seven heading around the turn.

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After finding the hazard with her approach shot, Woad lost her balance in the sand before recovering to finish the hole but was informed of the penalty two holes later.

Woad, who is ranked sixth in the world currently, just made the cut at four over par after her second round, but carded a 74 on Saturday to finish the day seven over for the tournament.

Compatriot Charley Hull enjoyed a better day than Woad. The three-time LPGA Tour winner, who is still aiming to break her major duck having finished as runner-up in this tournament three years ago, shot six under par for the day.

That 69 was the low round of the tournament so far and saw Hull move to three under par for the tournament and into the clubhouse lead.

"I kind of like chasing," she said. "I just find it more fun and I can then be free and play how I want to play golf.

"I overthink things ridiculously and then get myself really tired, so it's just sometimes I need nothing in my mind and just go out and play, a distraction."

Watch the US Women's Open throughout the week live on Sky Sports, with final-round coverage starting on Sunday at 11pm on Sky Sports Mix. Get Sky Sports or stream golf with no contract