The LPGA has been plunged into turmoil after Nelly Korda and Lexi Thompson furiously accused fellow star Charley Hull of cheating during the Kroger Queen Championship. What began as an on-course dispute has now spiraled into a full-scale controversy, drawing in officials, sparking heated fan debates, and even triggering an unexpected PGA Tour investigation into a “suspicious lunch meeting.”
The Accusations
During the final round, both Korda and Thompson confronted Hull over what they described as “serious violations of the Rules of Golf.” They claimed Hull had mishandled ball placement and taken liberties in situations where precise rule-following was critical.
Eyewitnesses reported Thompson shouting furiously at Hull on the 15th hole, accusing her of “bending the rules for advantage.” Korda, though calmer, echoed the accusations and called for tournament officials to intervene immediately.
The atmosphere, according to one spectator, was “electric with hostility, unlike anything seen on the LPGA Tour in years.”
What Was Said on the Course
While microphones didn’t catch the full confrontation, insiders claim that both Korda and Thompson used derogatory terms when describing Hull’s play.
“Lexi was blunt and explosive, calling her play a disgrace,” one caddie revealed. “Nelly was more measured but made it clear she thought Hull crossed the line.”
Charley Hull’s Defiant Response
Hull, never one to shy away from confrontation, hit back strongly.
“I don’t cheat. Period. My game speaks for itself. If people want to throw mud, that’s on them.”
She further hinted that jealousy and high-stakes rivalry might have driven the accusations, dismissing the criticism as “noise from players who couldn’t handle the heat.”
The PGA Tour “Lunch Investigation”
In a shocking twist, whispers of an unusual lunch meeting involving Hull and two tournament officials the day before the final round have surfaced. According to reports, Hull was seen dining privately with figures connected to event operations at a luxury restaurant near the course.
The PGA Tour has since released an official statement, saying:
“The PGA Tour is committed to maintaining the integrity and transparency of professional golf. We are aware of the reports regarding an informal lunch involving Ms. Charley Hull and certain officials prior to the Kroger Queen Championship’s final round. While we do not prejudge the situation, we are conducting a full review to ensure that no actions — perceived or real — compromise the fairness of competition.”
The statement also emphasized that while the lunch in question may have been “entirely social in nature,” the optics require careful scrutiny.
Although there is no concrete evidence of wrongdoing, the timing of the meeting — paired with Korda and Thompson’s accusations — has fueled rampant speculation online. Fans are already dubbing it the “LunchGate Scandal.”
Tournament Officials’ Next Steps
The LPGA has confirmed that it is reviewing video evidence, caddie testimony, and official scorekeeping records. Meanwhile, the PGA Tour’s investigation into the lunch meeting will run parallel, though officials insist it is a “precautionary measure” rather than proof of misconduct.
Still, the convergence of these controversies has left the golf world stunned.
Fan Reactions
The fallout has divided the golfing community. Some fans are rallying behind Korda and Thompson, praising their courage to “defend the integrity of the game.” Others accuse them of tarnishing Hull’s reputation without solid proof.
One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Cheating accusations are the nuclear bomb of golf. If Hull cheated, she’s done. If she didn’t, then Korda and Thompson may have crossed a career-ending line.”
Another added:
“Forget golf — I want to know what happened at that lunch. This feels bigger than sport.”
A Rivalry Beyond Golf
Beyond the immediate scandal, this episode has thrown gasoline on the already fiery rivalry between Korda, Thompson, and Hull. The three have long competed for titles and attention, but now personal accusations and off-course controversies threaten to overshadow their sporting achievements.
What’s Next?
Both the LPGA and PGA Tour are expected to release additional findings within the coming weeks. Depending on the outcomes, Hull could face suspension, Korda and Thompson could be fined for unsportsmanlike conduct, or the so-called LunchGate Scandal could fade away as little more than rumor.
For now, one thing is certain: the Kroger Queen Championship will be remembered not for birdies and trophies, but for a bitter clash, a mysterious lunch, and a controversy that has shaken women’s golf to its core.
