Bryson DeChambeau of the United States, who has been at the center of controversy in recent days, created another heart-stopping scene this time, nearly striking Ian Poulter of England on the group ahead with a driver shot.
The incident occurred during the first round of the LIV Golf UK tournament held on the 23rd at the JCB Golf and Country Club (par 72) in Rocester, England.
Poulter, who was preparing his second shot on the 7th hole (par 4), was startled when a ball flying in from the group behind passed right by him.
The hole bends sharply from left to right, and thanks to his long-driving power, DeChambeau was able to aim for the shortest route by cutting across the corner. The dangerous moment in question arose when DeChambeau was given the signal to tee off while Poulter was still at the landing area of the tee shot.
As the ball whizzed by, Poulter shouted "Fore!" loudly toward the back. It was a gesture of protest against the group behind that had not warned him. Poulter, showing his displeasure, stopped his shot and stepped back, while DeChambeau, who had been unaware that a player from the group ahead was there, also looked puzzled.
In an interview with TNT Sports after the round, Poulter said it "was absolutely not DeChambeau's fault." He said, "It seems the ball passed dangerously close, grazing my ear. If it had hit me, it would have hurt tremendously," adding, "The new teeing area on the 7th hole is set a little farther back, so the fairway is not easily visible."
Poulter had a close call, and for DeChambeau, who has stirred up controversy repeatedly of late, it was a narrow escape from a situation that could have inadvertently landed him in the spotlight once again.
At the recently concluded The Open, DeChambeau vehemently protested after being penalized for a rules violation, and in the process he was criticized after it emerged that he had said he would call the U.S. president.
Despite the shock of nearly hitting Poulter, DeChambeau shot an 8-under-par 64 that day to move into sole second place. Lucas Herbert of Australia, who finished tied for sixth after a title contention at The Open, took the sole lead at 11-under-par to continue his upward momentum, while Korea's An Byeong-hun sat in a tie for fifth at 5-under-par.
