Eyewitness Confirms Charley Hull Visibly Frustrated as Lexi Thompson Commits LPGA’s Most Hated Offense

Slow Play Sparks Drama Between Lexi Thompson and Charley Hull

The LPGA has been cracking down on slow play this season, but the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open isn’t covered under those new rules, and it’s already causing friction among the Tour’s top stars.

During Thursday’s round at Lancaster Country Club, tensions rose when Lexi Thompson took her time lining up a birdie putt on the 8th hole. Meanwhile, Charley Hull, clearly annoyed, walked ahead to the 9th tee and sat down on the grass, a move that quickly went viral after being posted by Meg Adkins of Fried Egg Golf.

The moment lit up social media. Some fans slammed Hull’s behavior as disrespectful, while others applauded her for silently protesting what she’s long criticized: slow play.

Hull and Thompson’s History with Pace-of-Play

This isn’t new territory for either golfer. Hull has been outspoken about slow play, even suggesting in 2024 that repeat offenders should lose their Tour cards. Thompson agreed, calling the idea aggressive but necessary. Both have pushed for reform, and the LPGA responded by implementing season-long timing policies and fines. So far, 22 players have been fined, and 9 have received two-stroke penalties this season.

But none of those penalties apply at majors like the U.S. Women’s Open, and Hull’s frustration may reflect a growing impatience with that loophole.

Was Lexi Taking Too Long, or Just Playing Smart?

Thompson had every reason to slow down. After landing in the rough off the tee, she nailed an approach to within 7 feet and sank the birdie putt, improving her score to +2. While Korda and Hull both carded pars, Thompson’s careful play helped her climb the leaderboard, though she still trailed both by one shot.

Hull’s reaction may have seemed harsh, but it underscores a real issue. Without universal enforcement, players are left to police themselves, and tempers can flare. Whether fans side with Hull’s protest or Thompson’s methodical play, one thing is clear: slow play remains one of the game’s biggest frustrations.

With pace-of-play reforms gaining momentum, moments like this could shape how future majors are governed.

Related Articles
Oct 23, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Stephen A. Smith (Stephen Smith) on the ESPN NBA Countdown live set at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Stephen A. Smith Blamed for Hurting ESPN’s NBA Coverage Amid Major Shake-Up
Stephen A. Smith faces backlash for dominating ESPN’s NBA Finals coverage, prompting major changes to...
Read More
June 8, 2018; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Kendrick Perkins (21) during the second quarter in game four of the 2018 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors at Quicken Loans Arena. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 108-85 to complete a four-game sweep. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Kendrick Perkins Rips Bill Simmons Over ESPN NBA Draft Criticism
Kendrick Perkins fires back at Bill Simmons for mocking his ESPN NBA Draft coverage, accusing him of...
Read More
Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) rebounds the ball Thursday, June 26, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Los Angeles Sparks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Fans Slam WNBA Refs After Aliyah Boston Shoved in Fever Loss to Sparks
Aliyah Boston was shoved by Rickea Jackson in the Fever’s loss to the Sparks, and fans are calling out...
Read More

As an Amazon Associate, The Quick Report earns from qualifying purchases.

Part of the Castaway Studios media network.