'Oh No!' - Watch As Golf Fan's Ball-Hawking Instinct Causes Awkward Moment At Zurich Classic Of New Orleans
Brandt Snedeker had an embarrassed fan to thank for saving him a potentially difficult second shot at TPC Louisiana
If he was out at right field in the MLB or playing Wide Receiver in the NFL, what one fan produced at TPC Louisiana on Saturday might have been something to commend. However, he was actually a spectator at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans... It was still smart fielding, but it did not belong at a PGA Tour event.
The awkward (yet funny) moment began with Brandt Snedeker standing on the par-3 third hole and - playing alongside Chez Reavie for the week - pushing his tee shot way out to the right, presumably in an attempt to miss the vast body of water along the left edge of the fairway.
With the ball not being taken back towards the green via the wind, shouts of 'Fore!' were let out. People along the 200-yard hole certainly paid attention. For one person, they were a little too zoned in.
After taking a hop off the path, a golf fan sprung away to his left and grabbed onto the ball with both hands before almost immediately letting go and dropping it on the floor beside him.
The realization of what had occurred almost immediately sunk in. He was horrified and put his left hand over his mouth. His friends burst into a fit of giggles and dispersed in a variety of directions, presumably a little embarrassed to be associated with the unfortunate party.
You don’t see this every day… A fan catches Brandt Snedeker’s tee shot on the 9th hole 😅.@PGATOURLIVE pic.twitter.com/GL3f5U68BCApril 27, 2024
On commentary, the PGA Tour Live crew saw the lighter side and proposed that the fan was likely a baseball player who just saw his ball-hawking instincts take over.
While laughing, one said: "It's all good. That's a kid who plays a lot of baseball. He just forgot."
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Meanwhile, another said: "That poor guy! The feeling of guilt he must have right now."
The first commentator continued: "He's like 'why did I do that?' He had his coach somewhere in his head saying 'get it! get it!'"
Fortunately for all concerned, there was no penalty for Snedeker - just a bruised ego for the spectator. According to the Rules of Golf, Rule 11.1a states, “If a player’s ball in motion accidentally hits any person (including the player) or outside influence, there is no penalty.”
Given the ball was still moving at all times, the nine-time PGA Tour winner just carried on from where the fan dropped it. Probably a good thing as the ball was heading much further right into a far more difficult spot otherwise.
In the end, the pair made par at the third (likely via Reavie's ball) and carried on their way. Ahead of the final round, Snedeker and Reavie were in last place of the teams who made it through to the weekend.
Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, and Lee Westwood. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and is hoping to reach his Handicap goal of 18 at some stage. He attended both the 150th and 151st Open Championships and dreams of attending The Masters one day.
-
Alfred Dunhill Championship Payout 2024
How much money is on offer this week in South Africa at the Alfred Dunhill Championship?
By Elliott Heath Published
-
R&A Introduces New Transgender Policy For Top Women's Golf Events
The R&A has introduced a new transgender policy prohibiting golfers who have been through male puberty from taking part in top women's events
By Paul Higham Published
-
Tony Finau Pulls Out Of Grant Thornton Invitational
Tony Finau has withdrawn from the Grant Thornton Invitational due to a knee injury, with his place alongside Nelly Korda being taken up by Daniel Berger
By Paul Higham Published
-
Scottie Scheffler Beats Xander Schauffele And Rory McIlroy To Record-Equalling PGA Tour Player Of The Year Award
The World No.1 claimed the coveted title in a landslide vote, with Scheffler matching Tiger Woods as the only player to have collected it three times in a row
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Tiger Woods To Make PNC Championship Return Alongside Son Charlie
The 15-time Major winner is set to tee it up for the first time since back surgery in September, with Team Woods making their fifth appearance in the tournament
By Matt Cradock Published
-
‘To Say That McIlroy’s Season Was Not A Success Is Wide Of The Mark’
To say it's been a dramatic 2024 for Rory McIlroy is a bit of an understatement, with the four-time Major winner going through multiple highs and lows this year
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Grant Thornton Invitational Odds, Picks And Predictions
The mixed pairs event returns for another year, with 32 of the biggest names from both the PGA and LPGA Tour circuits featuring once again
By Matt Cradock Published
-
The Equipment Change That Gained Justin Thomas 10 Yards At Hero World Challenge
Justin Thomas produced a fine performance in the Bahamas partly down to a change of driver shaft that resulted in added distance off the tee
By Matt Cradock Published
-
It’s PGA Tour Q-School This Week… Here’s What You Need To Know
Arguably, Q-School is the biggest weekend for some players and, with four rounds of action coming up over the weekend, it's set to be an enthralling watch
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Tiger Woods Coy Over PNC Championship Return
Speaking to NBC’s Dan Hicks during the final round of the Hero World Challenge, the 15-time Major winner gave a rather muted response to when his return may happen
By Matt Cradock Published