Lexi Thompson Gets Absolutely Robbed of an LPGA Major

Golf can be a cruel mistress, indeed.

The sport is quite difficult to play at even a passable level, but its arcane rules sometimes present even more of a challenge.

Which brings us to the ANA Inspiration LPGA major this past weekend.

The name is sadly ironic, considering what happened to Lexi Thompson.

The 22-year old Floridian was assessed a four-stroke penalty midway through the final round on Sunday in a way that would've made the Viet Cong proud.

Well, it appears an astute viewer at home with absolutely no life to speak of decided to ruin a complete stranger's day for no discernable reason.

This very sad person had noticed that Thompson misplaced a ball on the 17th hole the previous day.

Yes ... the previous day.

Thompson was penalized four strokes retroactively after holding a two-shot lead after three rounds.

Yep, that was it.

Reaction from the golfing community was swift and terrible.

Whatever number this is that people can call in, it needs to go away. Hoping it doesn't cost @Lexi! https://t.co/wtKkU9pg2o — Justin Thomas (@JustinThomas34) April 3, 2017

It was an email this time, but we get the idea.

Am I seriously watching Lexi be given a 4 stroke penalty in the middle of a tournament? What the heck did I just see? — Peter Uihlein (@PeterUihlein) April 2, 2017 Who's watching what is happening to @Lexi @LPGA? Can't believe this is happening. A viewers calls in a rule a day late or ever.... Not right — Natalie Gulbis (@natalie_gulbis) April 3, 2017

Even Tiger weighed in, as this nonsense actually happened to him at the 2013 Masters.

Viewers at home should not be officials wearing stripes. Let's go @Lexi, win this thing anyway. — Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 3, 2017

Unfortunately, Thompson was unable to recover.

She did force a playoff, but couldn't quite finish.

Is there no God?

Coming soon: the St Louis Cardinals will raise the 1985 World Series banner.