Golf is a sport that requires skill, focus, and precision. It can also be a dangerous game, with players risking injury from stray balls, clubs, and even wildlife on the course. While most golf injuries are relatively minor, there have been some bizarre and downright weird incidents over the years. Here are some of the strangest golf injuries ever recorded.
Sam Snead’s Ball Retriever Mishap:
In 1968, golf legend Sam Snead was using a ball retriever to retrieve a ball from a pond when the device malfunctioned and hit him in the mouth. The impact knocked out several of his teeth and caused him to miss several weeks of play.
Thomas Bjorn’s Ant Attack:
During the 2001 British Open, Danish golfer Thomas Bjorn was bitten by a swarm of red ants while he was in a bunker. The bites were so severe that he had to take a drop and ended up with a double bogey on the hole.
Steve Elkington’s Butterfly Encounter:
In 1995, Australian golfer Steve Elkington was playing in the British Open when he was distracted by a butterfly during his backswing. The distraction caused him to miss the ball entirely, and he ended up with a double bogey on the hole.
David Feherty’s Chainsaw Accident:
Golf commentator David Feherty once injured himself while trying to clear some branches from his backyard with a chainsaw. He ended up cutting his hand and was unable to work for several weeks.
Brandt Snedeker’s Rib Injury:
In 2013, American golfer Brandt Snedeker suffered a rib injury while trying to imitate the swing of another player. He ended up missing several weeks of play and was forced to withdraw from the Masters tournament.
Greg Norman’s Chainsaw Accident:
In 2014, golf legend Greg Norman injured his hand while using a chainsaw to trim trees on his property. He shared a gruesome photo of his injury on social media and ended up requiring surgery to repair the damage.
Padraig Harrington’s Dog Bite:
Irish golfer Padraig Harrington once suffered a dog bite on his hand while trying to break up a fight between his two dogs. The injury required several stitches and forced him to withdraw from the Deutsche Bank Championship.
Phil Mickelson’s Tree Root Injury:
In 2016, American golfer Phil Mickelson injured his hand while hitting a shot from behind a tree root. He ended up having to withdraw from the Masters tournament and was unable to play for several weeks.
Thomas Levet’s Pond Jump:
During the 2011 French Open, French golfer Thomas Levet celebrated his victory by jumping into a nearby pond. The celebration ended up costing him dearly, as he broke his leg in the process and was forced to withdraw from the British Open. If you land a big win in a golf game or while playing mobile NZ pokies, best to keep away from ponds too! You never know what perils await.
Jason Bohn’s Heart Attack:
In 2016, American golfer Jason Bohn suffered a heart attack during the Honda Classic. He initially thought it was just indigestion but ended up being rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery.
Golf may not seem like the most dangerous sport, but there are plenty of weird and wacky injuries that can occur on the course. From butterfly distractions to chainsaw mishaps, these bizarre incidents serve as a reminder that anything can happen in the world of golf.