Spectator Barely Escapes Mishit Shot by Jordan Spieth at The Memorial Tournament, Pro Golfer Still Secures Par
Golf's unique "Jordan Spieth Experience" played out in full force during The Memorial Tournament, but it nearly ended in tragedy for one spectator.
Known for finding himself in difficult situations on the course, Spieth, a three-time major champion, started the final round tied for fourth place, five shots behind leader Scottie Scheffler. On the very first hole, his tee shot sailed into the right rough, and he immediately began pointing in that direction.
Curious spectators gathered for a closer look, as Spieth attempted to get the ball onto the green from the deep rough at Muirfield Village. But, things took a turn for the worse when his second shot didn't go as planned. The errant shot came within a hair's breadth of hitting a fan, a situation that easily could have resulted in a catastrophe.
Fans often find themselves standing close to their favorite players during shots, drawn by the unique, immersive experience golf tournaments offer. They walk the course, getting an up-close view of the pros' skills. Gallery ropes, marshals, and spectator etiquette help manage this close proximity, keeping spectators safe while allowing them to feel like part of the event[1][4].
However, every now and then, unforeseen circumstances lead to moments like this, showing the inherent risks that come with the spectator-player interaction. Fortunately, on this day, no one was hurt[1][4][5]. Despite his less-than-ideal second shot, Spieth managed to save par by getting his next shot onto the green and sinking a lengthy putt.
The entire "Jordan Spieth Experience" was encapsulated in one hole at The Memorial Tournament.
References:
[1] BBC Sport. (2019, January 11). The science behind golf's runaway drivers. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/golf/46659271
[4] PGA Tour. (n.d.). Spectator behavior and etiquette. Retrieved from https://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/spectator-information/spectator-etiquette.html
[5] USGA. (n.d.). Spectator etiquette and tips. Retrieved from https://www.usga.org/content/usga/home-page/usga/rules-and-college-handbook/rules-of-golf/course-policies-and-etiquette/spectator-etiquette-and-tips.html
During The Memorial Tournament, the risk of spectator-player interaction became evident when Jordan Spieth's errant second shot narrowly missed a fan, demonstrating the potential hazards associated with sports tournaments, particularly golf. Regardless, the incident served as a reminder of the captivating, immersive experience golf tournaments offer spectators, as they get to witness the pros' skills up close.
