It has been highly publicized how the LPGA Tour is cracking down on slow play in 2025, and Chisato Iwai faced the consequences Friday in Utah.
In the second round of the Black Desert Championship, the star Japanese rookie was assessed a two-stroke penalty on the par 3 eighth hole, her penultimate hole of the day. The penalty raised her score from a par to a double bogey on the hole. She ended the event at -1.
What made this even more consequential? The cut line was at -3.
In part because of that two-stroke penalty, Iwai missed the cut.
The LPGA updated its rules after frequent controversies in 2024 with players speaking out publicly. When at tournaments and even watching on TV, it is clear that the LPGA is paying closer attention to the issue, but this is the most high profile enforcement so far this season.
