US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick experienced one of golf's most bizarre and frustrating moments during the second round of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club.
The English golfer watched in sheer disbelief as his seemingly perfect drive on the par-5 17th hole vanished without a trace, despite extensive searches by players, caddies, and officials.
The incident occurred on Friday when Fitzpatrick's tee shot found the centre of the fairway, only to disappear in what can only be described as golf's version of a magic trick. Despite a thorough five-minute search involving playing partners Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry, the ball was never found.
"I've never seen anything like it," Fitzpatrick stated after the round. "It was bang in the middle of the fairway. We all saw it pitch and were walking up there thinking it's perfect."
The mysterious disappearance forced Fitzpatrick to return to the tee under penalty, effectively ending his chances of making the cut at the prestigious European Tour event. The ruling resulted in a double-bogey seven on the hole, leaving the former champion understandably frustrated.
Spectators and golf enthusiasts took to social media to express their astonishment at the freak occurrence, with many calling it the most unusual golf incident they've witnessed. The Wentworth Club's famous West Course, known for its challenging layout, has now added another extraordinary chapter to its storied history.
Tournament officials confirmed that despite the extensive search and review of available footage, no explanation for the ball's disappearance could be found, making this one of the most talked-about moments of the golfing season.
