Zach Johnson Accidentally Hits Ball During Practice Swing
On the 13th hole Johnson had a bit of a moment to forget.
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On the 13th hole, Johnson had a bit of a moment to forget.
Zach Johnson Accidentally Hits Ball During Practice Swing
Sometimes even professionals and Masters (opens in new tab) champions make the simplest of mistakes on the golf course.
Two-time Major winner Zach Johnson (opens in new tab) made the cardinal sin of standing too close to his ball during a practice swing on the 13th tee today. He then proceeded to hit it with his driver and it then ricocheted off the tee marker and didn't leave the tee box. This drew probably the first swear word of Johnson's career ever caught on camera.
Watch the moment for yourself below;
Johnson had just bogeyed the tough par-3 12th so maybe that annoyance was still on his mind as he set to his pre-shot routine for the opening shot of the par-5. Regardless, whilst it is funny, there is indeed no penalty here.
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In the past we have all heard the chuckling of our playing partners with the customary call of "that's one". But in this day and age striking the ball on the tee during a practice swing is no longer a penalty.
Because the incident took place on the tee box, his ball was not yet in-play, and therefore he is allowed to replace it provided he had no intent to hit it.
After stopping to check with his two playing partners Ian Poulter (opens in new tab) and Matt Kuchar (opens in new tab) who both agreed there was no intent, Johnson picked up his ball and replaced it on the tee.
He then calmly made birdie to get him back on track after that bogey at the 12th.
Out of the three players in the group it is the Englishman Poulter who is currently highest on the leader board at five-under with Kuchar closely following behind on four-under. At the time of writing Francesco Molinari sits atop the pile but there is a long way to go.
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A golfer for most of his life, Sam is a Senior Staff Writer for Golf Monthly.
Working with golf gear and equipment over the last five years, Sam has quickly built outstanding knowledge and expertise on golf products ranging from drivers, to balls, to shoes.
He also loves to test golf apparel especially if it a piece that can be used just about anywhere!
As a result he has always been the one family and friends come to for buying advice and tips.
He is a graduate of Swansea University where he studied History and American Studies, and he has been a part of the Golf Monthly team since December 2017. He also previously worked for World Soccer and Rugby World magazines.
Sam now spends most of his time testing and looking after golf gear content for the website. He also oversees all Tour player content as well.
Unfortunately, Sam is not a member of any club at the moment but regularly gets out on the golf course to keep up the facade of having a handicap of five.
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