Bryson DeChambeau nearly hit English star Ian Poulter at LIV Golf UK after a rogue tee shot. The American has been in action at JCB Golf & Country Club in Rocester, Staffordshire, in pursuit of his third individual title of the LIV season, reports BritPanorama.
On the front nine, a wayward tee shot from DeChambeau landed just a couple of yards from Poulter, who was preparing to take his shot on the sixth hole. The close call forced the 50-year-old Englishman to quickly cover his head as the ball bounced nearby.
In response to the incident, Poulter shouted “fore” towards DeChambeau’s tee box, alerting him to the potential danger. According to commentators during the coverage on TNT, concerns were raised about the severity of the situation, with someone heard saying, “You could have killed someone.” DeChambeau, unaware that Poulter was in the line of fire, was informed of the near-miss following his shot.
Poulter later explained that the incident should not be blamed on DeChambeau, though he admitted it was “a shock to the system.” He noted the difficulty in visibility due to the new tee box placement and the fact that they were looking for Jon Rahm’s ball at the time. “It wasn’t his fault at all,” Poulter stated, emphasising the unexpected nature of the situation.
The American appeared both frustrated and apologetic upon realising the incident. His powerful drives can reach speeds between 190mph and 203mph, raising the stakes of such incidents. DeChambeau had recently been in the spotlight at Royal Birkdale during The Open Championship for receiving a two-shot penalty for improving his lie in heavy rough, a breach of Rule 8.1.
While the incident at LIV Golf UK was alarming, it underscores the unpredictable nature of the sport, where both competitors and spectators are subject to the sport’s inherent risks. Yet, the resilience of professional golfers shines through in moments like these, reminding us that even as they navigate pressures on the course, the game remains steeped in surprises.
