WATCH: DP World Tour Pro Putts It Out Of Bunker
Ewen Ferguson took the unusual approach to a bunker shot during the first round of the Porsche European Open
There are several techniques to consider for the perfect bunker shot. For example, the position of the feet in relation to the ball needs to be correct. Then there’s the shaft line and clubface to work on, not to mention how much sand to take as you play your shot.
However, Ewen Ferguson found a decidedly simpler approach when his ball found a sand trap during the Porsche European Open in Frankfurt – he used a putter!
The Scot opted for the unusual choice with his ball in a bunker on the par 3 eighth during the first round at Green Eagle.
Admittedly, the bunker in question hardly has the reputation of the game's most famous. After all, it doesn't have the huge depth of, say, Hell at The Old Course, St Andrews, nor is it as steep as the equally daunting Himalaya at Royal St George's, but using a putter for any bunker shot is out of the ordinary, particularly in a high-stakes top-level event.
So, how did he get on? Well, after a solid enough contact, the ball may have lacked a little direction, but, with a little assistance from the lip of the bunker, it still rolled nicely enough onto the green to leave him a perfectly satisfactory six feet from the pin.
Wait, what?! 😲@EwboF opts for the putter out of a green side bunker! #PEO23 pic.twitter.com/nkVDEIa10AJune 1, 2023
Whie the Scot no doubt left onlookers wondering if there might be something in his new approach to bunker shots, his trusty putter didn’t remain his friend for long. Ferguson agonisingly missed his effort for par, leaving the ball a mere eight inches from the hole, and he had to settle for his second bogey of the day.
Ferguson claimed his first two DP World Tour wins in 2022, with the Qatar Masters in March and most recently in August’s ISPS Handa World Invitational. Whether we’ll see him opt for a putter in future bunker shots as he pursues his third this week is anyone’s guess. After his relatively successful experiment the first time, though, it’s probably wise not to put it past him.
Get the top Black Friday deals right in your inbox: Sign up now!
The hottest deals and product recommendations during deals season straight to your inbox plus all the best game-changing tips, in-depth features and the latest news and insights around the game.
Mike has over 25 years of experience in journalism, including writing on a range of sports throughout that time, such as golf, football and cricket. Now a freelance staff writer for Golf Monthly, he is dedicated to covering the game's most newsworthy stories.
He has written hundreds of articles on the game, from features offering insights into how members of the public can play some of the world's most revered courses, to breaking news stories affecting everything from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to developmental Tours and the amateur game.
Mike grew up in East Yorkshire and began his career in journalism in 1997. He then moved to London in 2003 as his career flourished, and nowadays resides in New Brunswick, Canada, where he and his wife raise their young family less than a mile from his local course.
Kevin Cook’s acclaimed 2007 biography, Tommy’s Honour, about golf’s founding father and son, remains one of his all-time favourite sports books.
-
DP World Tour Rookie Hit With Slow Play Penalty On First Pro Start
Jacob Skov Olesen was handed a one-shot penalty for slow play at the Australian PGA Championship in what was his very first start as a professional
By Paul Higham Published
-
Nelly Korda Claims LPGA Awards Double After Seven-Win Season
Nelly Korda was handed the two top prizes at the LPGA Awards after a seven-win season including her second Major
By Paul Higham Published
-
Odyssey Golf And YouTube Stars Good Good Collaborate With New Putters
The YouTube group signed a deal with Callaway at the start of 2023 and will release their second limited-edition product together
By Ben Fleming Published
-
Seven-Handicap YouTube Star Defies Odds To Complete Hole-In-One Challenge
YouTube star and CEO of gaming organisation 100 Thieves 'Nadeshot' achieved the feat in little over an hour having rented out a course to put his skills to the test
By Ben Fleming Published
-
Who Are The No Laying Up Members?
Get to know the characters behind the hugely successful golf content creation company
By Ben Fleming Published
-
ESPN Agrees Deal To Broadcast First Season Of TGL
The new goal league, launched by Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, is due to start in January 2024
By Ben Fleming Published
-
Robert MacIntyre Hints At PGA Tour Switch After Ryder Cup Success
The Scotsman admitted that he may have to make the move to America if he's to achieve all of his goals within the game
By Ben Fleming Published
-
Honorary European Ryan Fox 'Chuffed' By Europe's Ryder Cup Victory
The New Zealander admitted he was no neutral observer and was pulling for Luke Donald's side last week at Marco Simone
By Ben Fleming Published
-
Max Homa Commits To Debut Appearance In DP World Tour Event
The American will tee it up in the iconic tournament for the first time and will be joined in the field by compatriot Justin Thomas
By Ben Fleming Published
-
European Ryder Cup Heroes To Make Immediate Return At Dunhill Links Championship
Three of Luke Donald's side are set to return from Italy and tee it up in Scotland later this week
By James Nursey Published