GALLOWAY, N.J. -- Nasa Hataoka was disqualified from the ShopRite LPGA Classic on Saturday after tournament officials reviewed videotape of her final hole in the first round and found she took too long searching for a lost ball.
Hataoka, who shot a 6-under 65 on the Bay Course at the Seaview Resort and was tied for fourth place, was informed of the disqualification on Saturday. She was scheduled for an afternoon tee time.
In a statement, the LPGA said Hataoka played her second shot on No. 9 into the long fescue surrounding the green. After reviewing video footage provided to the tour following the round, it was determined that the search for Nasa's ball exceeded the three minutes allowed.