WATCH: Whoops! The top five funniest golf club snaps
It was one of the highlights of last week’s BMW PGA Championship.
The moment, at the par-5 12th hole, when Rory McIlroy’s clubhead flew off at impact.
McIlroy had little idea what had happened and was a little bewildered, not least when he realised that the ball had not only made it to the green but set up an eagle putt!
His playing partner Ryan Fox said: “I’ve never seen that in person.”
"I've never seen that in person" @ryanfoxgolfer
A look back at Rory McIlroy's impressive club head snap #BMWPGA | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/l6CNDk5fA9
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 19, 2024
It’s rare for a clubhead to snap off as a shot is being played.
But it’s not that unusual for clubs to snap mid-round; it’s just that most of the time it is the players snapping them, not an accident.
Here are five of the best…
Number 5 – Brandon Stone
In the Ras Al Khaimah Classic, the South African Brandon Stone is taking aim at a par-5 green with a fairway wood.
Then it all goes horribly wrong.
As commentator Mark Roe says: “The ball is wet and the club … is no more.”
Number 4 – Rory McIlroy
This is an occasion when the Northern Irishman broke a club on purpose.
It’s the ZOZO Championship and he has 140-yards to the pin.
Unfortunately he finds the greenside rough and, after a sigh, he pushes down on the club and snaps the shaft in two.
Number 3 – Ludvig Aberg
This one is comparable to McIlroy’s.
Swedish superstar Ludvig Aberg is taking aim at the green on a short par-4 and the head of his driver flies off.
Not to worry.
Aberg can’t quite work out how, but the ball makes it to the putting surface!
WHAT?!
Ludvig Åberg's driver head BREAKS and he still drives the green at the par-4 17th. pic.twitter.com/POGGlR9d1q
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 6, 2024
Number 2 – Thomas Pieters
Just like McIlroy’s accidental club snap, this one came at Wentworth in the BMW PGA Championship.
But the big Belgian Thomas Pieters was just really fed up and, after missing yet another target, he wraps the club around his own neck until it can take no more.
Number 1 – Thomas Pieters
Yes, the big Belgian not only wins, he also claims the top two positions.
In the 2016 Open he has hacked his way down a hole and is so furious at himself he not only snaps the club in two (over his knee this time), he also hurls both pieces of the club in the gorse.
Funnily enough the shot isn’t that bad.
WATCH: Is this Tiger Woods’ best ever club twirl?
Latest
-
Equipment
The Titleist TruFeel budget ball: a great option for the average golfer
Titleist’s TruFeel is a brilliant ball for a beginner or high-handicapper and a very reliable option also for the mid-handicapper
-
Videos
WATCH: When celebrations go wrong! Thomas Levet jumps in lake after Open de France win and breaks leg
Thomas Levet’s home win in the 2011 Open de France was memorable for many reasons, including the aftermath when he plunged into water.
-
Videos
WATCH: How are golf balls made and tested? (1966 style)
Time – and technology – has changed but the mystery of how golf balls are actually made and tested remains elusive
-
Features
Aberdovey’s 16th hole: is this the best short par-4 in Wales?
Although just 285 yards from the back tee, the 16th hole at Aberdovey GC in Wales is both a spectacular and challenging test
-
Videos
WATCH: Nicolas Colsaerts holes out for stunning albatross
Nicolas Colsaerts’ memorable week at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland included a two on a par five!
-
Equipment
Why Tyrrell Hatton plays a Titleist Pro Vx ball
Three-time Alfred Dunhill Links Championship winner Tyrrell Hatton says he grew up wanting to play at Titleist golf ball
-
News
Ping Vault Oslo putter strikes gold again for Tyrrell Hatton at Alfred Dunhill Links
Tyrrell Hatton’s tried and trusted flatstick once again came up trumps to help him win in Scotland
-
Videos
WATCH: Bill Murray gets incredible break on 18th hole at St Andrews
Bill Murray’s mis-hit tee-shot at 18 on the Old Course scuttled out of bounds but then there was a plot twist for the Hollywood star’s ball
-
News
DP World Tour ready for big climax at Yas Links and Earth Course
The courses ranked 1st and 7th in the latest Golf World MENA Top 100 rankings will stage the DP World Tour’s two-part playoff series
-
Features
Watch: 4 greatest shots by celebrities and amateurs at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
The best hacks from the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship are a mixture of amateur brilliance and downright flukes