Amy Olson responds to 'backstopping' controversy at LPGA Thailand
"The hardest days of my life," says Olson, as golf's issue of 'backstopping' continues to hit the headlines...
LPGA Tour player Amy Olson has hit back at critics on social media and defended her actions after footage showed the American celebrate with playing partner Ariya Jutanugarn after her golf ball served as a backstop for Olson's chip.
Golf fans and critics quickly vented their anger on social media - with one fan going as far as to say it was "cheating" - as the two players exchanged a light-hearted moment and fist-bump.
Rule 15.3a states: "If two or more players agree to leave a ball in place to help any player, and that player then makes a stroke with the helping ball left in place, each player who made the agreement gets the general penalty (two penalty strokes)."
The LPGA soon issued a statement citing neither player faced a penalty for the incident as "no agreement" had been made between the two players to leave the ball in place.
WATCH THE INCIDENT BELOW TO SEE WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT...
Even worse with the full video pic.twitter.com/lpras0mF4L
— Duncan French (@Teamfrench23) February 22, 2019
The 'backstopping' incident comes just a month after PGA Tour player Andrew Putnam was SLAMMED for doing something similar.
Olson took to social media to explain there was "no collusion and intent" in the incident that took place on Friday at the Honda LPGA Thailand.
The American explained the criticism she received in recent days had been "some of the hardest I've ever had to go through"...
"First of all, I’m all for a healthy discussion of whether 'backstopping' should be expanded beyond what is currently written in the rules," Olson wrote in her statement.
"The situation on Friday was innocent. There was no collusion and no intent on either of our parts for me to gain an advantage. The fact that Ariya gave me a fist bump shows that she’s a classy individual who celebrates other people’s success – just like she did earlier that day on hole 10 when I made an eagle and she routinely does with anyone she’s playing with.
"However, we are competitors and anyone who used the word “cheater” to apply to Ariya or me should be held accountable for their words. While I care about my own reputation I find it even more important to clear Ariya who has the highest integrity of anyone on tour. Period.
"To those who have presumed to know our intent and accused us from behind their computer or phone screen, remember that we are real people with reputations, character, and values we live out daily. The things that have been said have been extremely hurtful and have made the past two days some of the hardest I’ve ever had to go through.
"Thank you to the many people in the media, on the LPGA, and those who know me personally who were quick to come to my defense. Your support means more than you know."
Olson went on to finish in a tie for 23rd, with Jutanugarn in 14th.
Amy Yang won the tournament by one stroke with a birdie at the final hole.