World number two Xander Schauffele endured a hole to forget during the first round of the ZOZO Championship in Japan.
Schauffele anticipated a tough challenge at Accordia Narashino Country Club and ran into serious trouble on the ninth.
After his wayward drive nestled against a tree root, Schauffele twice tried to hack his ball into the fairway with no success. The American would proceed to call his ball unplayable and take a drop.
Schauffele picked up one shot on the 13th to card a three-over 73. Despite the setback, PGA Tour player Michael Kim has predicted Schauffele will gain ground over the weekend.
ZOZO Championship: Michael Kim shares Xander Schauffele prediction
After footage of the incident emerged on X, Kim replied and claimed there’s still every chance Schauffele finishes inside the top 20.
“Prob still finish top 20 after this, lol,” Kim wrote.
Schauffele believes a high score could win this week’s ZOZO Championship, and the American will be hoping his prediction comes true after his nightmare during round one.
Golf fans react to Xander Schauffele’s ZOZO Championship nightmare
Golf fans have also had their say on Schauffele’s quadruple bogey at the ZOZO Championship.
“Just a really bad caddy job here, no excuse, that is not a shot you can play, take the drop and make dubs,” wrote @dougEfresh33.
Meanwhile, Jamesmylne added: “Balls near tree roots should be a free drop. They destroy your clubs and arms.”
Finally, @freewillly said: “Gotta call bank shot here now that the penalty for hitting yourself is gone.”
Next time, there’s no doubt Schauffele will take the drop immediately and save himself two precious shots.
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