After a great Ryder Cup week and a 7-under performance through the first two days of the Tour Championship, Anthony Kim's third round can kindly be characterized as a struggle. The 23-year-old had to rush through his pre-round routine because he forgot his tee time, and then had trouble keeping his ball on the property for most of the afternoon. Things went from bad to ... well, scary on the No. 9 tee box. Kim yanked his drive well left and nailed a spectator in the noggin. David Whitfield, 48, had a "crater-like abrasion" on his forehead, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and he ended up leaving the course on a stretcher.
Unsurprisingly, Kim was shaken by the incident, although he wasn't willing to blame it on his third round 72, which included a back-nine 37.
"I thought I killed him," Kim said. "It was an awful feeling to look down and see a golf ball-sized impression in his forehead and it's cut open. It was probably the nastiest thing I've ever seen."Yeah, I'm guessing Whitfield felt awful, too. Happy ending, though: the Associated Press writes that Whitfield was released from a local hospital after a negative CT scan. And not only that, but before Whitfield left East Lake Golf Club strapped to a gurney, Kim hastily scribbled him a note on a golf ball that read "Sorry."
Touching. Presumably, it wasn't the same ball that domed Whitfield minutes earlier.
Fans Caught in Crosshairs
Sept. 27, 2008
Anthony Kim injured a spectator when he hit his drive off an unsuspecting fan's head during the third round of the Tour Championship. The man appeared in good spirits, despite a massive gash and a trip to the hospital.
John Amis, AP
Nov. 19, 2004
After former Pacers player Ron Artest was struck by a cup of beer from a Detroit Pistons fan, various members of the Pacers rushed the crowd as an all-out brawl with fans ensued. Artest was fined and suspended the rest of the season for his part in the incident.
Duane Burleson, AP
Sept. 13, 2004
Rangers pitcher Frank Francisco hurled a folding chair into the crowd in a game against the Athletics, but the chair hit the wrong target - an unsuspecting woman - who was taken to the hospital and received stitches. Francisco was arrested and sentenced to anger management classes.
D. Ross Cameron, The Oakland Tribune / AP
July 9, 2003
Former MLB player Randall Simon interfered with the famous 'Sausage Race' at Miller Park when he swung a bat at a contestant and caused her to fall. The contestant was in a padded costume and was not harmed, but video of the incident became an popular sports highlight. Simon was fined $432.10 for disorderly conduct.
Milwaukee County Sheriff / AP
June 16, 2000
Once considered one of the game's best fielders, Chuck Knoblauch's accuracy suffered once he became a Yankee. During a game against the White Sox, one of his throwing errors actually hit commentator Keith Olbermann's mother in the stands.
Lou Requena, AP
May 16, 2000
With one out in the bottom of the ninth, the Dodgers bullpen spilled into stands during a game at Wrigley Field. A fan had grabbed catcher Chad Kreuter's hat while he sat in the bullpen and when Kreuter went to recover it, a fistfight between Dodgers players and fans ensued over the railing.
Charles Cherney, Chicago Tribune
Jan. 25, 1995
Eric Cantona, former Manchester United soccer player, became infamous after being given a red card when he decided to issue out a 'kung-fu' style kick to a heckling fan. Cantona was sentenced to 120 hours of community service and was suspended for the remainder of the season.
Gerry Penny, AFP / Getty Images
July 16, 1993
Vince Coleman was charged with endangerment when he tossed a firecracker into a crowd of baseball fans and the explosion injured three children. All three were treated with minor injuries and Coleman was given the rest of the season off to attend to his legal issues.
AFP / Getty Images
Comments (Page 1 of 5)
That hadda hurt!!
I would have to say if he was REALLY sorry he would paid that guys medical bills. It's expensive to go to the hosptital especially on a gurney in an ambulance.
I have to agree just going to the hospital cost then by gernny wow, just in Hopkinsville Ky if you go by gernny can cost up to 200 for a 4 block ride
Not only did Kim pay his medical bills he also gave him pass to clubhouse for post tourny party. I was on the sports on news.
It would have been good PR for Kim or the PGA to pay the man"s expenses. I am guessing that happened.
Damn! After nearly killing a guy, he goes out and shoots 37 on the back, Maybe I should try that - anybody wanna volunteer??? No??? I'll autograph a golf ball for you!
LOL... John
FORE!!!! TAKE IT EASY IN THE HOSPITAL DUDE!! HANG IN ANTHONY!! GOOD JOB IN THE RYDER!!! KEEP THE MOJO GOING!
Shank you very much Anthony...
www.ericsmusclecars.com
I am glad the victim recovered, and am glad Mr. Kim recovered too.
Will he be paying this man's medical expenses??
Hey i feel bad for the guy but when somebody yells fore ur supposed to duck
I as a golfer think the spectators stand TOO CLOSE to the golfers so shame on the golf association for allowing it. They should pay the medical bills.
IM SURE THE PGA WILL PAY HIS HOSPITAL BILLS
When you attend a PGA Tour event, your ticket is waiver. That means the players, tour officals and the club which the event is being played at is not liable for any injuries to spectators.
ouch,putt up or shut up! show me the money.
Oh Oh! Here comes the FU**IN lawyers to sue! Anthony, you are about to get nailed too!
if you are stupid enough to stand on the sidelines of a golf game...why shouldn't you be stupid enough to get hit?
I agree! I offten wonder about people who stand on the side line. I think they are asking to be hit by a ball. Any golfer could on any given day miss hit a ball.
*shoots gun at random man*
*walks over*
*Writes sorry on another bullet*
*goes to taco bell for a burrito*