Watch: PGA Tour's driving distance leader tops tee shot into lake at Bay Hill's par 5 sixth
Watch: PGA Tour's driving distance leader tops tee shot into lake at Bay Hill's par 5 sixth
Show Caption
Hide Caption
Scottie Scheffler is constantly learning from other players like Rory
Scottie Scheffler said as much as other players can learn from his game, he is also learning from others about how be better.
Aldrich Potgieter hit a severely topped tee shot into the water on the par-5 sixth hole at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
The shot was a stark contrast to Potgieter's usual driving prowess, as he leads the PGA Tour in driving distance.
The mishap led to a double bogey for Potgieter, contributing to a difficult opening round.
Aldrich Potgieter is not the first to do it, and he definitely won't be the last.
The PGA Tour's leader in driving distance had an unfortunate mishap early during his opening round Thursday at the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational. The 20-year-old South African arrived on the tee at Bay Hill Club's famous par-5 sixth that curves left around a lake. It's the same hole Bryson DeChambeau famously drove it near the green on in 2021 en route to victory.
While a shot like that wasn't possibly Thursday because the tee shot was playing into a stiff wind, it still was shocking to see what Potgieter did with driver in hands. He took a rip with the big stick, and shortly thereafter, his ball plopped off the water before skipping to its demise a bit further away. A topped tee shot from the player who averages 326.9 yards off the tee, and it's hard to watch.
Shot tracker says 216 yards on this tee ball. That seems *extremely* generous
pic.twitter.com/WZ5CTezSSq — Fried Egg Golf (@fried_egg_golf) March 6, 2025
Potgieter took keeping it low out of the wind to a new level. A stone-cold top, and a tough day got even worse.
He doubled the hole, and through 11 holes, Potgieter had more bogeys (6) than pars (4) during his first trip to Bay Hill.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Rory McIlroy's Gaffe amid Tommy Fleetwood's Epic Collapse
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Golf can be brutal, and Tommy Fleetwood felt every bit of it on Sunday at the Travelers Championship. The 34-year-old Englishman, chasing his first PGA Tour win, stood in the 18th fairway with a one-shot lead. But he left his approach woefully short and three-putted for bogey, opening the door for Keegan Bradley. Bradley hit a clutch approach to inside six feet and sank the walk-off, winning birdie putt. Fleetwood, who had led for most of the final round, was left stunned. "I'm upset now. I'm gutted. I'm angry," he said afterward. "When it calms down, I'll look at the things I did well... but there are things I have to do better." While many praised Fleetwood's grace in facing the media after such a crushing loss, Rory McIlroy's attempt to show support took an awkward turn. DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JANUARY 17: Tommy Fleetwood of England and Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland shake hands on the 18th green on day two of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf... DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JANUARY 17: Tommy Fleetwood of England and Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland shake hands on the 18th green on day two of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club on January 17, 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by) More Getty Images Speaking to reporters shortly after the final round, McIlroy said, "Tommy's been a great player for a long time." But what followed made it sound like McIlroy believed Fleetwood had actually won. "He's more than due—or he was more than due. He's got so much talent and ability, and obviously it's great to see him get over the line." The comment, likely made before Fleetwood's final-hole bogey, quickly circulated online as a classic case of speaking too soon. It appears Rory McIlroy thought Tommy Fleetwood had won the Travelers Championship before his 72nd hole collapse, "He's more than due or he was more than due. He's got so much talent and ability and obviously its great to see him get over the line." — Chris McKee (@mrmckee) June 23, 2025 If Fleetwood sees the clip, he'll no doubt appreciate the praise from one of golf's biggest names. But the sting of falling short, again, at a $20 million signature event will linger. McIlroy and Fleetwood share a close bond. They've been Ryder Cup teammates multiple times, including Europe's dominant win in Rome in 2023. Their chemistry was on full display during foursomes and fourballs, and they've often been seen practicing together at majors. Just this week, the two unintentionally wore matching Nike outfits during Sunday's final round at TPC River Highlands that drew laughs from fans. Despite the heartbreak, Fleetwood's performance was full of brilliance. He made three eagles and 14 birdies across four rounds, including a Saturday 63 that vaulted him into the lead. And while the win slipped away, his post-round composure didn't. "Right now I'd love to go sulk somewhere," he admitted. "But there's no point making it a negative. Take the positives and move on." That attitude stood in contrast to McIlroy's own recent media absences. After his U.S. Open collapse at Pinehurst, McIlroy skipped interviews entirely. More Golf: LPGA Winner in Spotlight After Absurd Tick Bites From Erin Hills
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Newsweek
'Angry' Tommy Fleetwood Earns Praise for Poise after Travelers Collapse
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Golf can be cruel. One moment you're leading with history in sight, the next you're walking off the green gutted. That's exactly what happened to Tommy Fleetwood on Sunday. The 34-year-old Englishman, still chasing his first PGA Tour win, held a one-shot lead walking up to the 18th green at TPC River Highlands. But a three-putt bogey, paired with Keegan Bradley's birdie, flipped the script. CROMWELL, CONNECTICUT - JUNE 20: Tommy Fleetwood of England reacts to his shot from the first tee during the second round of the Travelers Championship 2025 at TPC River Highlands on June 20, 2025 in... CROMWELL, CONNECTICUT - JUNE 20: Tommy Fleetwood of England reacts to his shot from the first tee during the second round of the Travelers Championship 2025 at TPC River Highlands on June 20, 2025 in Cromwell, Connecticut. (Photo by) More Getty Images Fleetwood, who had led for most of the final round, played the last three holes in two over. Bradley, meanwhile, closed in one under to snatch a one-stroke victory at 15-under. "Keegan made birdie, so fair play to him, but still feel like from where I was, I should at least be in a playoff. So, yeah, it's a crappy way to finish," Fleetwood said post round. "I'm upset now. I'm gutted. I'm angry," he continued. "When it calms down, I'll look at the things I did well, look at the things I can learn from." 'I'm upset now. I'm gutted. I'm angry.' Tommy Lad 😭 — Jeff Eisenband (@JeffEisenband) June 22, 2025 This marked Fleetwood's 42nd top-10 finish on the PGA Tour without a win, the most by any player since 1983. But, despite all this, with 7 DP World Tour titles and 3 Ryder Cup appearances, his American Tour breakthrough remains elusive. "Right now I would love to just go and sulk somewhere," he admitted. "And maybe I will do. But there's just no point making it a negative for the future. Take the positives and move on." Though Fleetwood failed to shut his critics this time, what made him a fan favorite was his post-round media appearance. Tommy Fleetwood earns praise for poise Players aren't obligated to face the media after a loss. Many don't—Rory McIlroy skipped interviews after his U.S. Open heartbreak. Collin Morikawa did the same earlier this season. But Fleetwood showed up. Visibly emotional, he answered every question. "If Tommy can talk after that, then I think anyone can talk after pretty much any tournament," tweeted Kyle Porter, founder of the Normal Sport newsletter. Golf writer Michael McEwan added, "So much respect for Tommy Fleetwood speaking on TV after an utterly gut-wrenching loss. Absolute class... Magnanimity personified." He ad "Credit to Tommy Fleetwood for still taking the time to speak with the media after a heartbreaking loss. Class act," posted @OfficialTourPro. Fleetwood's grace under pressure echoed Jack Nicklaus's recent call for players to face the media, no matter the result. During the Memorial Tournament, Nicklaus emphasized that accountability builds character, and Fleetwood just gave a masterclass in it. More Golf: Keegan Bradley's Perfect Answer to Ryder Cup Playing Captain Question
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Newsweek
Tommy Fleetwood, Wife Clare, Share Emotionally Viral Moment after Travelers
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. "I'm upset now. I'm gutted. I'm angry." That was Tommy Fleetwood's raw reaction after falling just short of his first PGA Tour title at the 2025 Travelers Championship. The 34-year-old Englishman had entered the final round with a three shot lead. But three bogeys in his first four holes erased that rather quickly. In the end, it was the missed putt at the 16th and 18th that opened the door for Keegan Bradley. The U.S. Ryder Cup captain birdied the 72nd hole at TPC River Highlands to edge Fleetwood by one stroke and claim the $3.6 million winner's prize. CROMWELL, CONNECTICUT - JUNE 22: Tommy Fleetwood of England walks from the 12th tee during the final round of the Travelers Championship 2025 at TPC River Highlands on June 22, 2025 in Cromwell, Connecticut. (Photo... CROMWELL, CONNECTICUT - JUNE 22: Tommy Fleetwood of England walks from the 12th tee during the final round of the Travelers Championship 2025 at TPC River Highlands on June 22, 2025 in Cromwell, Connecticut. (Photo by) More Getty Images "The search goes on," he said post-round. "When it happens, it'll be very, very sweet". Despite the heartbreak, a moment off the course stole hearts. A video that quickly went viral showed Fleetwood walking off the green and into the arms of his family. His young son Frankie came forward and hugged him tightly. His wife, Clare, stood nearby, eyes full with a soft smile. She didn't say a word, but her look said everything: win or lose, they were proud. The PGA Tour captioned the clip simply: "Family is always there. Win or lose". Family is always there. Win or lose. — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) June 22, 2025 This was not the first time Clare had been by his side after a tough loss. Married since 2017, Clare is not only Fleetwood's wife but also his manager. The two met through Tommy's brother Joe, who worked with Clare at Hambric Sports Management. Their bond has been a constant, both on and off the course. Clare has often been seen walking practice rounds with him, offering quiet support during pressurized weeks. Looking back at Tommy Fleetwood's final round Fleetwood's final round was a rollercoaster. He missed the fairway on the first, bogeyed three of the first four holes. But the tournament ultimately came down to the 72nd hole. Fleetwood held a one-shot lead over Bradley, with both finding the fairway on the par-4 18th. Fleetwood made a last-second decision to switch clubs, using a pitching wedge. He proceeded to leave his approach 50 feet short of the hole. Meanwhile, Bradley's second shot landed just five feet from the pin. Making matters worse for the Englishman, his lengthy putt actually came up two feet short of where Bradley's ball was already marked, giving the New Englander a free read. 🚨😵🇺🇸 #CAPTAIN CLUTCH — Keegan Bradley has won The Travelers Championship in dramatic fashion on the 18th hole. UNBELIEVABLE 🏆 to claim his 8th career win! @KeegsArmy — NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) June 22, 2025 Fleetwood just missed the hole, and Bradley made birdie for the win. Still, Fleetwood's season remains strong. He ranks inside the top 10 in strokes gained: approach and is among the most accurate drivers on Tour. Though he's now 0-for-159 in PGA Tour starts, he owns 10 professional wins worldwide and has the most top 10s on tour without a win (42) since 1983. That is a list he will surely like to break sooner than later. More Golf: Tommy Fleetwood Breaks Silence After Jab Over Zero PGA Tour Win
