Players Championship: Adam Hadwin's Unexpected Water Hazard Moment

Golfer Adam Hadwin is known for his ability to avoid water hazards at The Players Championship. However, on Thursday, he faced a different challenge when two of his balls ended up in the water, along with one of his clubs.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLORIDA - MARCH 14: Jordan Spieth of the United States and Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland look on from the 16th green during the first round of THE PLAYERS Championship on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on March 14, 2024 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Jordan Spieth from the United States and Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland were spotted on the 16th green during the first round of THE PLAYERS Championship on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida on March 14, 2024. They were captured in a photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images.

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For over 40 years, many top PGA Tour players have seen their tee shots land in the water at the famous par-three 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass. Despite this, Hadwin from Canada had always managed to hit the island green on his 28 previous trips to the second to last tee at this renowned golf course.

The 36-year-old golfer had reached the famous hole with good momentum after scoring a birdie at the 16th. Unfortunately, his tee shot fell short of the green and landed in the lake.

His perfect streak came to an end as his 14-foot putt narrowly missed the cup, causing frustration for the world No. 46. He had to settle for a double-bogey after tapping in the ball.

Hadwin endured a nightmare end to his first round.

Hadwin endured a nightmare end to his first round.

Hadwin was frustrated at first, but soon became furious. He had just barely avoided hitting his tee shot into the water on the left side of the fairway. Unfortunately, his next shot took a strange bounce and ended up rolling over the 18th green and into the water.

His 8-iron quickly joined his ball in a race to the bottom of the lake after a frustrated Hadwin angrily threw it into the water. Jessica, his wife, couldn't help but notice the dramatic technique.

Although she initially missed the moment when both the club and the ball ended up in the water on the 18th hole, Jessica later shared her thoughts on social media. She humorously rated the throw a perfect 10/10 based solely on its aesthetic appeal.

Hadwin hugs his then-fiance Jessica after clinching his first PGA Tour title at the 2017 Valspar Championship.

Hadwin hugs his then-fiance Jessica after clinching his first PGA Tour title at the 2017 Valspar Championship.

Hadwin finished his round with a three-over 75, ending up 10 shots behind the day one leaders Wyndham Clark, Xander Schauffele, and Rory McIlroy. McIlroy also faced some challenges during the first round, including some trouble with water hazards.

The Canadian golfer, aiming for his second PGA Tour victory, seemed to have relaxed by the evening. This was largely due to some calming cookie decorating time with his daughter Maddox.

In a picture they shared together, Jessica mentioned, "It won't replace the lost club, but it will definitely help soothe the frustration of all those water balls."

Club makers Callaway sent out a replacement 8-iron to reach Hadwin before his afternoon tee off Friday, according to Golf Digest.

It’s not new for Hadwin’s wife to tease him about his bad luck. Last year, during a celebration for his friend Nick Taylor’s victory at the Canadian Open, a security guard accidentally knocked Hadwin down. In response, his wife humorously remarked that her husband was "still alive and kicking."

Canadian professional golfer Adam Hadwin, left, is stopped by a security guard while he tries to celebrates with Nick Taylor, of Canada, after Taylor won the Canadian Open golf tournament in Toronto, Sunday, June 11, 2023. (Andrew Lahodynskyj/The Canadian Press via AP)

Canadian professional golfer Adam Hadwin was stopped by a security guard as he tried to celebrate with fellow Canadian golfer Nick Taylor after Taylor's victory at the Canadian Open golf tournament in Toronto on Sunday, June 11, 2023. The moment was captured by Andrew Lahodynskyj of The Canadian Press via AP.

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During the second round on Friday, American golfer Beau Hossler made history by hitting the 1000th ball into the water at the 17th hole since ShotLink tracking began in 2003.

In the first round, ten players landed their balls in the lake from the tee. However, New Zealand’s Ryan Fox managed to ace the hole, making him the 14th golfer in Players history to do so.

Editor's P/S:

Adam Hadwin's unfortunate round at The Players Championship highlights the mental and physical challenges faced by professional golfers. Despite his impressive record of avoiding water hazards, Hadwin's two lost balls and a thrown club demonstrate the unpredictable nature of the game. His frustration and the humorous response from his wife showcase the rollercoaster of emotions that golfers experience during competition.

Hadwin's experience also underscores the importance of resilience and support in golf. Despite his setbacks, he was able to regroup and find solace in spending time with his family. The camaraderie among golfers is evident in Callaway's quick response to replace Hadwin's lost club. These elements humanize the game and remind us that even the best players face adversity but can overcome it through perseverance and support. is a reminder of the camaraderie and support within the golfing community.