DP World Tour Player Has TrackMan And iPad Stolen At Honda Classic

Thankfully, for Adrian Meronk, his TrackMan and iPad were returned after Palm Beach Gardens police investigated the incident

Meronk bites his glove as he stares on into the distance
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Adrian Meronk is a name known to those who follow the DP World Tour, with the 29-year-old really establishing himself on the professional circuit. Picking up two wins in 2022, his success vaulted him up the World Rankings and earned him some starts on the PGA Tour.

At the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the Pole is making just his fourth start on the PGA Tour in 2022 - 23, but it is perhaps his third start at the Honda Classic which will live longer in the memory of Meronk, when it was recently revealed that his TrackMan and iPad were stolen at PGA National following his opening round.

Shooting a three-under round of 67 to open his tournament, Meronk was part of the later tee of times on Thursday, with the 29-year-old not leaving the venue until 8:30pm. Back in early on Friday, he would likely think he was still dreaming as he opened his locker and found that almost $20,000 worth of equipment was missing!

Informing the local authorities on-site, video surveillance was analysed by the cops and the culprit was spotted. Who was it you may ask? Well, just after 8.30pm a 40-year-old man called Matthew Archer, who was working as one of the vendors at the Honda Classic, entered the locker room and is spotted leaving 14 minutes later wearing a gray golf shirt and carrying two bags. 

Eventually, Archer was transported to Palm Beach County jail where he was charged with burglary and grand theft. Thankfully, for World No.52 Meronk, his TrackMan and iPad were returned to him.

Meronk hits a bunker shot whilst wearing a bright yellow shirt

Meronk in action during the third round of the Honda Classic

(Image credit: Getty Images)

"I could track the (TrackMan) on the phone so the last seen location was like 600 yards away from the clubhouse in the buildings, so we showed that to the police," stated Meronk, with the Pole adding: "To be honest I was shocked. I didn’t even get mad because I didn’t even believe it.

"I thought someone must have taken it by mistake, but how do you take it by mistake? It was a happy ending to the story. Great job by the police." Thankfully, for Meronk, the incident didn't affect his performance on the course, as he finished six-under for the tournament and in a tie for 14th, his best finish on the PGA Tour.

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.


Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.


Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x