Six from 16: The biggest 2016 golf meltdowns
The year of 2016 golf meltdowns did nothing to dispel the myth that we all lose our rag at times on course.
And, it appears that even the professionals are prone to a club throw or two every so often (we all know that one person!).
But, which six made our highlights package from over the past year? From Spencer Levin’s hat kicking to Rory’s Troon tantrum, let’s take a look..
Troon tantrums
Where else can we start than with Rory McIlroy’s infamous club throw at Royal Troon last summer?
The Northern Irishman managed to completely snap the head on his 3-wood leaving himself slightly red faced and embarrassed as he shuffled over to pick it back up like a naughty child.
Still, a nice effort!
Nike did also announce their intention to stop making clubs shortly after this.. but we’re sure that this incident had no bearing on the decision (we think!).
Thomas Pieters went full meltdown, and took it out on the gorse that same week. The Ryder Cup star had a mixed Royal Troon visit but even after this fantastic approach shot the man from Denmark was still upset at his previous misgivings.
Chin up, Thomas!
@Thomas_Pieters don't worry, I've been there. You got this. #TheOpen #staystrong pic.twitter.com/7kTYe99dKz
— The Nightly Feed (@thenightlyfeed) July 17, 2016
Oh dear, Oakmont!
The 2016 U.S. Open was one of the toughest since, er, well probably Chambers Bay the previous year! The greens were borderline unplayable and unfortunately it got the better of some of the more experienced heads in the field.
Much to the delight of our list. Enter 2014 Ryder Cup star Jamie Donaldson..
….and I thought it was just @JimboWay6 & I that had tantrums on the golf course! #USOpen #JamieDonaldson #Grumpy pic.twitter.com/SFyKdbDwzB
— Russell J. Watkins (@rjdub80) June 17, 2016
American Spencer Levin also had to have a very quiet word with himself after chunking an iron from the infamous rough at Oakmont (alright, so maybe it wasn’t so quiet!).
Still, what ensued was hilarious. Poor Spencer.
And if that wasn’t enough, Spencer’s hat took a beating the same week! He seems to be one angry dude.
Sergio snaps.. his putter!
Of course, no list is complete without the wrath of Spaniard Sergio Garcia who is known for being an excitable guy on Tour, and he certainly let his emotions get the better of him at the BMW Championship.
The poor putter!
The wrath of Sergio. https://t.co/XGgHYQzq3d
— Skratch (@Skratch) September 10, 2016
With Garcia’s putter out of action the 36-year-old had to make do with his wedge on the greens, and then his 3-wood! Even managing to grab a birdie later in the round.
Nice work, but maybe next time let’s not snap the putter… right, Sergio?
Have we missed any of the big 2016 golf meltdowns? Let us know yours in the comments below!
Tom Irwin
Tom is a lifetime golfer, now over 30 years playing the game. 2023 marks 10 years in golf publishing and he is still holding down a + handicap at Alwoodley in Leeds. He has played over 600 golf courses, and has been a member of at least four including his first love Louth, in Lincolnshire. Tom likes unbranded clothing, natural fibres, and pencil bags. Seacroft in Lincolnshire is where it starts and ends.
