Kai Trump replacement Scarlett Schremmer disqualified from LPGA event after shocking rules breach

Scarlett Schremmer's LPGA Tour debut has ended in controversy, with the Miami golfer disqualified from The Annika driven by Gainbridge at Pelican after breaching the tour's yardage book regulations.

The sophomore had received a sponsor invitation following Kai Trump's withdrawal from the tournament, with the granddaughter of US President Donald Trump forced to miss the event after undergoing wrist surgery.

But Schremmer's opportunity to shine on the professional stage took an unexpected turn on Saturday when the LPGA confirmed she had been removed from the competition for using an unauthorised green-reading yardage book.

The 19-year-old, who opened with rounds of 69 and 74, was found to have breached Model Local Rule G-11, which requires competitors to use only the yardage book approved for the tournament. Although such materials are permitted in college golf, they are prohibited under LPGA Tour regulations.

The LPGA revealed it had first been alerted to a potential violation on Thursday but waited until photographic evidence emerged on Saturday before taking action.

The incident also prompted criticism from playing partner Perrine Delacour, who questioned the handling of the situation on social media.

The LPGA veteran, who partnered Schremmer during the opening two rounds, posted a comment on golf journalist Ryan French's Monday Q Info Instagram account ahead of Saturday's play.

“Can we talk about the yardage [book] illegal and LPGA trust the sponsor invite over 2 LPGA players and 2 caddies,” Delacour wrote.

She later told Golfweek that she had dealt with the matter directly with LPGA officials.

Schremmer subsequently accepted responsibility, admitting she had failed to check the differences between collegiate and professional rules.

“I had a green reading yardage book in my bag this week that’s allowed in college golf but isn’t permitted on the LPGA Tour.

“That’s on me. I should have checked, and it’s a lesson learned.”

Schremmer has since addressed the situation herself, sharing a statement on her Instagram Story in which she accepted responsibility for the mistake and insisted she had learned from the experience.

“I had a green reading yardage book in my bag this week that’s allowed in college golf but isn’t permitted on the LPGA Tour. That’s on me. I should have checked, and it’s a lesson learned.

“I had a great week competing out here and I’m grateful to the Doyle family, Pelican and the LPGA for the opportunity. I am excited to continue to work with the goal of playing out here again. Thank you to everyone who came out and supported me this week.”

The invitation from LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam had originally been intended for Trump, who made her LPGA debut at The Annika last November through a sponsor exemption.

However, the 18-year-old announced on October 14 that she had undergone surgery after injuring her wrist during a tournament. 

It marks her second wrist operation within 12 months, having previously undergone a procedure on her left wrist last January.

Trump struggled last year at Pelican, missing the cut on 18-over par. 

Despite being unable to compete in this year's tournament, Trump attended Thursday's opening round to support Schremmer. 

According to Golfweek's Beth Ann Nichols, "Trump was out following Schremmer all day at Pelican Golf Club (along with the Secret Service) and even carried her bag after the round."

For Schremmer, the week represented a major opportunity. 

A two-time winner for Miami this autumn and member of the USGA's 2026 Elite Amateur Program, she had arrived in Florida with impressive momentum.

Her mother, former LPGA professional Patricia Ehrhart, also served as her caddie.

At the top of the leaderboard, Lindy Duncan leads The Annika heading into Sunday's final round, sitting 13-under par after a third-round 69. 

Duncan, 35, holds a one-shot advantage over Hye-Jin Choi as she chases her first LPGA title.

World No.1 Nelly Korda is six shots back on 7-under par alongside England's Lottie Woad.

Korda missed a number of short putts en route to a lacklustre 71.

She is a record three-time winner of The Annika. 

Korda confirmed earlier this week that she is getting married to fiancé Casey Gunderson in 12 months time. 

Delacour made the cut but finds herself well out of contention after a Saturday 76 sent her to 1-over par in tied 55th.