BREAKING: In a surprising turn of events at The American Express, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler struck a fan with his tee shot during his first PGA Tour appearance of 2026 at La Quinta Country Club in California. As Scheffler aims to capture the lead, now sitting at nine under par and just one shot off the top, the day took an unexpected twist.
During the 16th hole, Scheffler’s tee shot dropped dramatically, hitting an unsuspecting spectator. Commentators were quick to react, with one exclaiming, “Oh gosh. That sounded like a skull.” Fortunately, reports indicate that the fan appeared uninjured, allowing Scheffler to continue his game without incurring a bogey for the day, ultimately managing to par on the hole.
Further adding to the day’s antics, fellow competitor Brian Harman faced his own mishap by hitting the wrong ball on the 10th hole. Harman’s fourth shot, which should have set him up for a potential birdie, instead resulted in confusion when he realized the ball belonged to an amateur golfer nearby, not his own. This unfortunate error led to a two-stroke penalty, forcing Harman to retake his shot from the original position. Despite the setback, he recovered to secure a double bogey with a two-putt.
The atmosphere at La Quinta is electric, with players and fans alike witnessing these unusual incidents unfold. With the tournament still in its early stages, all eyes will be on Scheffler as he continues his pursuit of victory amidst the chaos.
Stay tuned for more developments as the competition heats up at The American Express.
