'Oh No!' - Watch As Golf Fan's Ball-Hawking Instinct Causes Awkward Moment At Zurich Classic Of New Orleans
Brandt Snedeker had an embarrassed fan to thank for saving him a potentially difficult second shot at TPC Louisiana

If he was out at right field in the MLB or playing Wide Receiver in the NFL, what one fan produced at TPC Louisiana on Saturday might have been something to commend. However, he was actually a spectator at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans... It was still smart fielding, but it did not belong at a PGA Tour event.
The awkward (yet funny) moment began with Brandt Snedeker standing on the par-3 third hole and - playing alongside Chez Reavie for the week - pushing his tee shot way out to the right, presumably in an attempt to miss the vast body of water along the left edge of the fairway.
With the ball not being taken back towards the green via the wind, shouts of 'Fore!' were let out. People along the 200-yard hole certainly paid attention. For one person, they were a little too zoned in.
After taking a hop off the path, a golf fan sprung away to his left and grabbed onto the ball with both hands before almost immediately letting go and dropping it on the floor beside him.
The realization of what had occurred almost immediately sunk in. He was horrified and put his left hand over his mouth. His friends burst into a fit of giggles and dispersed in a variety of directions, presumably a little embarrassed to be associated with the unfortunate party.
You don’t see this every day… A fan catches Brandt Snedeker’s tee shot on the 9th hole 😅.@PGATOURLIVE pic.twitter.com/GL3f5U68BCApril 27, 2024
On commentary, the PGA Tour Live crew saw the lighter side and proposed that the fan was likely a baseball player who just saw his ball-hawking instincts take over.
While laughing, one said: "It's all good. That's a kid who plays a lot of baseball. He just forgot."
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Meanwhile, another said: "That poor guy! The feeling of guilt he must have right now."
The first commentator continued: "He's like 'why did I do that?' He had his coach somewhere in his head saying 'get it! get it!'"
Fortunately for all concerned, there was no penalty for Snedeker - just a bruised ego for the spectator. According to the Rules of Golf, Rule 11.1a states, “If a player’s ball in motion accidentally hits any person (including the player) or outside influence, there is no penalty.”
Given the ball was still moving at all times, the nine-time PGA Tour winner just carried on from where the fan dropped it. Probably a good thing as the ball was heading much further right into a far more difficult spot otherwise.
In the end, the pair made par at the third (likely via Reavie's ball) and carried on their way. Ahead of the final round, Snedeker and Reavie were in last place of the teams who made it through to the weekend.
Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Joaquin Niemann. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and recently reached his Handicap goal of 18 for the first time. He attended both the 150th and 151st Open Championships and dreams of attending The Masters one day.
-
Alex Smalley Facts: 10 Things To Know About The PGA Tour Pro
Alex Smalley is one of the PGA Tour’s brightest talents – here are 10 things you may not be familiar with about him
By Mike Hall Published
-
Jacob Bridgeman Facts: 10 Things To Know About The PGA Tour Pro
Jacob Bridgeman excelled at college before turning pro, where it didn't take him long to reach the PGA Tour - here are 10 things to know about him
By Mike Hall Published
-
Laurie Canter Set To Become First Former LIV Golfer To Make PGA Tour Start
The English pro - who spent a couple of seasons with the PIF-backed circuit - climbed into world's top-50 after another good result on the DP World Tour
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Puerto Rico Open Prize Money Payout 2025
Brice Garnett defends his title in the PGA Tour alternate event, which is being held at Grand Reserve Golf Club
By Mike Hall Published
-
Joe Highsmith Wins Maiden PGA Tour Title At Cognizant Classic After Making Cut On The Number
Joe Highsmith took advantage of a Jake Knapp disaster at the 11th to claim his maiden PGA Tour title
By Mike Hall Last updated
-
Arnold Palmer Invitational Field 2025
One of the biggest events in the PGA Tour schedule sees many of the world’s best players tee it up at Bay Hill
By Mike Hall Published
-
Arnold Palmer Invitational Prize Money Payout 2025
Many of the world's best players compete for one of the largest prize money payouts of the PGA Tour season
By Mike Hall Published
-
World No.1 Amateur Luke Clanton Earns PGA Tour Card
The Florida State University junior made the cut at the Cognizant Classic to confirm his playing privileges on the PGA Tour
By Mike Hall Published
-
Should PGA Tour Signature Events Have Sponsor Invites?
Should the lucrative, limited field PGA Tour Signature Events allow sponsor exemptions? The Golf Monthly news team have their say
By Paul Higham Published
-
Fowler And Spieth Miss Out On Arnold Palmer Invitational Exemptions
Arnold Palmer's grandson Sam Saunders has confirmed that Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth have both missed out on exemptions for Bay Hill this year
By Paul Higham Published