Close Call: Golfer Narrowly Avoids Hitting Fan with Shot

Watching a golf tournament as a fan gives you the special opportunity to be right in the midst of all the excitement.

Spectators lining the course can get incredibly close to their beloved players, almost feeling like they can reach out and interact as they watch them drive, chip, and putt.

That closeness also means that they have little protection from stray shots. At The Players Championship on Saturday, a spectator almost got hit by a shot from US golfer Max Homa at TPC Sawgrass. Homa was playing well in the tournament, one-under par after the 13th hole in his third round and close to the leaders.

Then things turned sour on the 14th hole for the 33-year-old American golfer.

First, his drive found the water down the left before his next shot was shanked into the trees.

Homa, aged 33, had trouble reaching the hole due to trees and bushes blocking his way. He had to hit the ball back onto the fairway for his next shot.

When a golfer hits the ball into the rough, fans often gather around to watch how well the player can hit the ball back onto the fairway.

Homa cautioned fans to move back to avoid getting hit by his ball. Despite the warning, when he took his third shot, the ball nearly struck a fan who was recording him.

A video shared on TikTok shows the ball speeding towards the camera, narrowly missing the person filming before a loud sound is heard. The caption reads, "who said golf was boring."

Homa walks the 14th fairway during the third round of The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass.

Homa walks the 14th fairway during the third round of The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass.

Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

In a separate video taken from behind Homa, the ball is shown whizzing over a spectator’s head before smashing against a tree just behind them.

Fans appeared to be amused by the close call, even laughing when they saw that no one was actually hit.

Unfortunately, Homa had a tough time on the 14th hole, ending with a quadruple-bogey nine and taking him out of the running for the tournament.

After his third round on Saturday, Homa shared that he had requested fans to step back. He described the experience as "scary."

Speaking to reporters, Homa mentioned that he was aiming for a higher shot. Reflecting on the incident, he realized that he should have asked the fans to move further away to avoid any mishaps.

"But usually when you ask them to move, it's like taking two steps back - they sometimes disregard their own safety," Homa explained. "I didn't hit anyone though... it was a strange incident but it definitely gave some people a good story. I heard a lot of laughter so at least there was some humor in it."

Afterwards, Homa shared an update on social media.

Homa clarified on X (formerly Twitter) that he did not hit anyone in the head on the 14th yesterday. Instead, the ball hit a tree. He expressed gratitude that it missed the person, acknowledging the potential devastation. Homa also added that he found the video cool.

While not a common occurrence in golf, perhaps fans should consider bringing hard hats when they go to live events.

Editor's P/S:

The near-miss incident at The Players Championship highlights the potential dangers spectators face when witnessing golf tournaments up close. While the excitement of being close to the action is undeniable, fans must prioritize their safety. Golfers, too, have a responsibility to ensure the well-being of those around them, by clearly communicating any potential hazards and respecting the boundaries set for spectators.

The incident also emphasizes the unpredictable nature of the game. Even experienced golfers like Max Homa can encounter unforeseen challenges that put spectators at risk. It's important for fans to remain aware of their surroundings and heed any warnings given by players or tournament officials. While the close calls add an element of thrill to the experience, they also underscore the need for constant vigilance and responsible behavior from both spectators and golfers.