During the third round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, a PGA Tour spectator made headlines with an unexpected move that left both players and commentators in disbelief. The incident unfolded as Brandt Snedeker was teeing off at the par-3 ninth hole at TPC Louisiana, playing alongside Chez Reavie in the pairs event.
Snedeker’s shot didn’t go as planned; instead of drawing the ball towards the back left pin, he left the club face open, sending the ball veering far to the right. The wayward shot prompted a loud shout of ‘fore’ as it soared over the gallery rope.
What happened next stunned everyone present: a young spectator decided to catch the ball after its first bounce, a move that drew gasps and exclamations from the PGA Tour’s commentary team. “Oh my gosh,” one commentator exclaimed, while another yelled, “He just caught the ball!”
The fan likely realized immediately that they had made a major error in judgment. Some spectators reacted with humor, suggesting the fan might have just wanted a souvenir for their child, while others humorously called for them to be sent to jail.
Despite the distraction, Snedeker and Reavie managed to salvage their par, maintaining their position at nine-under for the tournament. This incident is not an isolated one; similar occurrences have happened in the past, such as when a fan intercepted Nelly Korda’s golf ball during the final round of the Amundi Evian Championship last year. Such moments serve as reminders of the unexpected and unpredictable nature of live sports events.