ESPN Host 'Covered In Blood' After Being Hit In Face With Rahm Drive

Reports state that ESPN SportsCenter anchor Sage Steele was hospitalised on Thursday at the PGA Championship

Sage Steele pictured holding a microphone
(Image credit: Getty Images)

ESPN anchor Sage Steele was reportedly injured on Thursday at the PGA Championship after being struck by a stray drive from Jon Rahm.

The World No.2 hooked his tee shot left on the third hole at Southern Hills, yelling cries of 'fore' before his shot apparently struck Steele in the face. It's unclear as to whether Rahm was aware his drive struck Sage, as his ball eventually ended up in the fairway on the third hole. Rahm did not speak to media following his opening round and was not asked about the incident following his second round.

A witness told golf writer Geoff Shackleford that they “saw her on the ground, holding her nose, mouth or chin area” and her hands were “covered in blood.” Sage was said to be watching the action following the conclusion of her work on ESPN SportsCenter.

Aaron Wise was then struck by a wayward drive on Friday at Southern Hills after Cameron Smith's carved tee shot on the second hole hit him in the head. Wise was playing the seventh hole and was on his knees for around 30 seconds and held ice to his head after the round.

Elliott Heath
News Editor

Elliott Heath is our News Editor and has been with Golf Monthly since early 2016 after graduating with a degree in Sports Journalism. He covered the 2022 and 2025 Masters from Augusta National and was there by the 18th green to watch Rory McIlroy complete the career grand slam. He has also covered five Open Championships on-site including the 150th at St Andrews.