At the PGA tournament in Florida this weekend, one golfer got into a heated argument with a fan after sending his shot into a lake, and he later got the heckler thrown out of the event.
Some of the best golfers in the world are strutting their stuff in Florida right now at the Cognizant Classic. But, as any player will attest, things don’t always go to plan.
On the 15th hole on Saturday, that happened to Billy Horschel, who chipped his shot over the green and right into the water.
Billy Horschel argues with crowd at Cognizant Classic
Despite making the cut on Friday, it’s safe to say Horschel has not had the best time at the Cognizant. The US golfer shot two over par in round two and currently sits tied for 54th place, which is bottom of the pile going into the final round.
One of the low points of his weekend came on hole 15, when what should have been a routine lob onto the green turned into an overcooked shot straight into the lake surrounding the hole.
After the shot, someone in the crowd shouted something at Horschel. While impossible to decipher what was said exactly, it’s thought reference was made to Horschel’s past criticism of the golf course and the tendency to “overseed” the grass.
Either way, the player was clearly not happy and confronted the fans in the grandstand.
“Who said that?” he asked, before adding, “I mean, I guess you guys want to make yourselves feel good about yourself with a comment like that, don’t you?”
Security could be overheard telling the heckler that one more comment would get them kicked out before Horschel said, “Can I go back to my shot now?”
Commentators remarked on their surprise that Horschel, who is actually from Florida, was being heckled on home soil.
Heckler ejected from the event
After he wrapped up his round, Horschel spoke to the press about the incident and it turns out the fan was actually thrown out of the event.
Giving further insight, Horschel said: “The guy said a couple more things. He said I was badmouthing the golf course, which couldn’t be further from the truth… if I didn’t like this course I wouldn’t come and play every year.
“He had a few words to say… I told him to read my comments and I wanted to make sure he was informed. That was it, I walked back to the drop shot, walked off with a six, there was nothing else said. The officers came up to me on 16 and said ‘we kicked him out.’
“I said I hadn’t asked for that but they said he had been saying some other stuff throughout the day so they escorted him out. Everyone has a right to say things, but there should be a level of respect.”
It is not uncommon for fans to make noises or shout silly phrases on a golf course, but they are often done in good spirits and must always come after a shot has been hit. Golf is the kind of sport where rowdy behaviour isn’t permitted, so it figures this particular fan was shown the door.
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