Golf fans have vented their frustration after watching DP World Tour pro Thriston Lawrence clatter a spectator with his approach shot into the par-5 15th without shouting ‘FORE’ during the final round of the European Open.
Even the commentators in the Sky Sports Golf box including former pro Mark Roe were critical of the South African and his caddie for not shouting ‘FORE’ during the errant shot.Â
The man fell out of his seat after being struck by the ball.Â
Scroll below to watch what happened…
After hitting the spectator on the full, the four-time DP World Tour winner took full advantage of the break as his ball avoided the deep stuff and he was able to get up and down for birdie.
Sky Sports Golf’s Roe said: “Oh no no. No, no, no,” after watching Lawrence’s ball clatter the spectator on the fly.
The incident rattled a number of golf fans on Twitter, with one going as far to say ‘Thriston Lawrence may have just killed someone’.
Another fan replied: “Didn’t look good.”
“What a clown,” wrote another. “Well done for not shouting ‘FORE’ mate. No excuse for behaviour like that.”
We just hope the spectator is okay.Â
WATCH WHAT HAPPENED HERE
Some fans consider a fine of some sort is needed when a player does not shout ‘FORE’ when their ball is heading into the gallery.Â
One irate DP World Tour fan wrote: “What a disgrace, that Thriston Lawrence and caddie don’t yell fore. Hitting a spectator directly on the upper body with no chance of cowering himself. Should be fined heavily.”
Here’s a look at some of the comments:Â
Some think players should be fined with no shouts of ‘FORE’
Fans were fuming on social media
Lawrence had a golden chance to give himself a shot at winning a fifth DP World Tour title on the par-5 18th but after hitting a fantastic approach shot into six feet, he missed the eagle attempt low and left.Â
The South African tapped in for birdie on 18 and went on to finish tied second alongside eight-time winner Bernd Wiesberger.
England’s Laurie Canter finally saw out his maiden DP World Tour title at Green Eagle GC in Hamburg, Germany.Â
Canter, 34, closed with a gutsy 1-under 72 to see out an emotional two-shot victory on 13-under par.Â
He had a spell on LIV Golf last season but has now paid off his fines and fully committed himself to the former European Tour circuit.Â
Canter pocketed $2,251,214 on LIV Golf last season.Â
The victory at the 2024 European Open earned him €425,000.