Watch: Fish Swallows LIV Golfer’s Ball in Bizarre On-Course Moment
Charl Schwartzel’s trip to a water hazard took an unexpected turn when a fish emerged and appeared to make off with his golf ball during LIV Golf Bedminster.
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Charl Schwartzel was involved in one of golf’s more unusual moments at LIV Golf Bedminster when a fish appeared to swallow his ball after it rolled into a water hazard.
The incident occurred on the par-3 seventh hole at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster. Schwartzel’s tee shot initially found the green before spinning off the putting surface and trickling toward the water. Just as the ball entered the pond, a fish surfaced and appeared to grab it, leaving players and commentators stunned.
Television footage of the incident quickly spread across social media, with one commentator remarking: “I have never seen that.” The clip was later shared by TNT Sports and attracted widespread attention from golf fans.
Although the circumstances were unusual, the Rules of Golf offered no special exemption. Schwartzel was required to take penalty relief from the hazard, resulting in a one-stroke penalty before continuing play. He eventually recorded a bogey on the hole.
Wildlife interruptions are nothing new in golf, with tournaments regularly featuring everything from alligators and snakes to kangaroos and seagulls. However, a fish removing a golf ball from play is a sight rarely seen on any professional tour.