Matt Fitzpatrick had an unexpected turn of events during the BMW PGA tournament when his golf ball went missing due to what he humorously referred to as “two little thieves.” The incident occurred on the 18th hole just before a weather delay, where his ball ended up in the trees off the tee, prompting a search.
Fitzpatrick’s caddie, Dan Parratt, was quick to act and, with the help of spectators, discovered that two young boys had taken off with the ball. After consulting the referee, Fitzpatrick chose not to play his provisional ball, instead opting for a penalty drop, resulting in a bogey six on his way to finishing with a six-under 66.
Reflecting on the situation, Fitzpatrick shared that the possibility of someone taking his ball while searching for it was a concern raised by his caddie. After confirming with the referee and receiving eyewitness reports, Fitzpatrick decided to take the drop where the spectators had seen the boys with the ball.
While the outcome led to a six on that hole, Fitzpatrick expressed gratitude towards the young boys, jokingly calling them “thieves” who actually potentially saved him a shot. Despite the incident, Fitzpatrick’s strong performance in the tournament continued his impressive form leading up to the Ryder Cup.
His playing partner, Ludvig Aberg, also had a stellar round, sharing the clubhouse lead with an opening score of 64, finishing with three consecutive birdies. The pairings in the tournament hinted at potential strategies for the upcoming Ryder Cup matches, with both players showcasing their skills and camaraderie on the course.
Looking ahead, Fitzpatrick expressed optimism about his game and form, emphasizing the importance of maintaining his performance for future events, including the upcoming competition in New York. As the golf season progresses, the excitement builds for fans and players alike, with legends of the sport setting the stage for memorable moments on the course.