Carlota Ciganda Penalized Two Strokes for Slow Play at LPGA Shanghai
Carlota Ciganda received a costly two-stroke penalty for slow play on the par-4 13th hole during the third round of the Buick LPGA Shanghai on Saturday, dropping her score on the hole from a par to a double bogey, Yahoo Sports reported. Playing at Sheshan International Golf Club, the 36-year-old Spaniard was in contention when the sanction hit.
How the LPGA Pace-of-Policy Penalties Stack Up
The penalty stemmed from the tour’s pace-of-play policy announced in early 2025. Under this structure, being 1-5 seconds over time is a fine, 6-15 seconds is a one-stroke penalty, and 16 seconds or more is two strokes, according to Golf Digest.
Ciganda is notorious for being one of the more deliberate players on the LPGA Tour and has faced similar issues previously. She incurred numerous slow-play penalties throughout her career, most notably at the 2023 Evian Championship when she refused to accept a two-stroke penalty and was disqualified from the major.
Carlota Ciganda and Yealimi Noh each received a two-stroke penalty during their respective third rounds at the Buick LPGA Shanghai for exceeding their allotted time, violating the LPGA Tour’s Pace of Play Policy.
Bouncing Back on the Leaderboard in Shanghai
Despite the setback on the 13th hole, Ciganda recovered quickly. She responded with back-to-back birdies on the next two holes, finished her round with a one-under 71, and sat tied for fourth place, five shots back of leader Hye-Jin Choi heading into the final round.
Ciganda was not the only competitor penalized during the third round in China. American Yealimi Noh also received a penalty for slow play, though specific details of her infraction were not reported, as noted by Yahoo Sports. Noh struggled during the round, carding five bogeys and one double bogey for a score of 76. GOLF.com highlighted a post on social media from Sky Sports commentator Richard Kaufman confirming that players had been penalized during the tournament.
Noh previously faced financial discipline for slow play during her rookie season in 2021, when she received a $10,000 penalty at the Kia Classic. The recent enforcement in Shanghai signals strict adherence by officials to keep rounds moving for players who have voiced frustration with tour pacing.
Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.
Two players have been penalised for slow play @LPGA today in China.Carlota Ciganda given a 2 shot penalty when in contention and responded with 2 immediate birdies.Yealimi Noh also penalised.Not the 1st time for either player.