Nick Taylor strikes fan at Cadillac Championship
A spectator at the Cadillac Championship learned firsthand the potential hazards of being in the line of fire during Saturday’s third round at Trump National Doral, when Nick Taylor’s tee shot on the par-4 second hole veered sharply and struck a fan directly, reports BritPanorama.
Slow-motion footage from Golf Channel captured the moment the golf ball fell from above, hitting the fan’s arm without bouncing. Commentator Curt Byrum remarked, “That might have left a mark.” Indeed, cameras later zoomed in to reveal a noticeable red bump forming just above the spectator’s elbow.
Despite the painful incident, the fan maintained a light-hearted demeanor. He smiled at the camera and pointed, displaying his good humour as he quipped, “Damn man, that was a bad one!” His ability to take the hit in stride suggests a remarkable resilience, as he now potentially has a memorable story to share.
The spectator did require some attention at the scene, but given his jovial response, it appears he would recover without issue. It remains uncertain whether Taylor, who managed to salvage par on the hole and was at 8 under par, took time to check on the fan afterward. He was tied for fourth place, trailing leader Cameron Young by six strokes.
Incidents of spectators being struck by golf balls have become more frequent on the PGA Tour. Just this year, world number one Scottie Scheffler inadvertently struck a fan in the head at The American Express, while Jon Rahm similarly struck a spectator during the 2025 PGA Championship. Notably, Travis Kelce has hit fans multiple times during pro-am events over the past two years.
Clearly, standing near the fairway at such events carries inherent risks for fans, reminding everyone of the sport’s unpredictable nature.