At Glance
‣ Lucas Herbert’s caddie, Nick Pugh, was hit in the head by a full water bottle during celebrations at the LIV Golf Adelaide event, but fortunately did not sustain a serious injury.
‣ The par-3 12th hole at the Grange Golf Club, known for its lively atmosphere similar to the 16th hole at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, witnessed an unfortunate incident where the crowd’s celebrations led to the caddie being struck.
‣ Despite the incident, the crowd was able to self-police, with inappropriate behavior being booed, maintaining a balance between fun and safety at the event.
Someone in the crowd launched a full water bottle at Lucas Herbert’s caddie and hit him in the head at LIV Golf Adelaide. Not cool.
— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf)
Nick Pugh, Lucas Herbert’s caddie, had a close call. He got hit in the back of the head by a full water bottle during the celebrations at LIV Adelaide’s “watering hole.” That spot, the par-3 12th at the Grange Golf Club, is a fan magnet. It’s back for its second year and is drawing crowds like bees to honey, much like the famed 16th hole at the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Last year, it was Chase Koepka who stole the show with a hole-in-one. But this Friday, the spotlight shifted for a less joyful reason. Late in the second round, after Herbert nailed a birdie on his final hole, he played to the crowd. He encouraged the festivities. But then, a water bottle flew, striking Pugh as he was busy with the pin.
Herbert was initially worried. “I was worried about him, to begin with, but he’s good now,” he shared with the Sydney Morning Herald, sounding relieved. Pugh, despite the shock, handled it with grace. “He could have been a lot more upset with it, but he took it really well,” Herbert added. It’s tough, expecting precision from someone possibly 15 beers deep into the day.
Someone from the crowd had a lapse in judgment, hurling a water bottle at Pugh. Definitely not cool. The tweet capturing this incident spread quickly, drawing attention to the not-so-fun part of the event. Meanwhile, Branden Grace’s putt and the subsequent drinks on the green added a lighter note. It was fun, kept within bounds, and the crowd knew where to draw the line. They even self-policed, booing those who overstepped.
For those keen on keeping up with golf’s highs and lows, there’s always the Golf Monthly newsletter. It’s packed with tour news, gear reviews, and expert advice. Herbert’s day was bittersweet. His impressive seven-under-par 65 was overshadowed by the incident. Yet, it was a good day for Australian golf, with Cameron Smith also shooting a 65, closing in on the lead held by Brendan Steele.
So, there you have it. A day of golf that had everything: excitement, skill, community spirit, and a bit of drama. Just another reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the passion it stirs in fans and players alike.
