Matt Fitzpatrick's Unusual Round at the BMW PGA Championship

During the first round of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, Matt Fitzpatrick experienced an unusual incident that turned out to be fortuitous. After hitting his tee shot into the bushes on the 18th hole, Fitzpatrick faced a potential dilemma when a thunderstorm prompted a 90-minute suspension of play. His caddie, Dan Parratt, raised a concern about the possibility of someone finding and taking Fitzpatrick's ball during the delay. This prompted Fitzpatrick to call for a referee to discuss the situation.

‘Little thieves’ – Matt Fitzpatrick robbed by kids at Wentworth but it ‘saved him a shot’

As play was halted, spectators reported seeing two young boys emerge from the bushes with a golf ball. Fitzpatrick and his caddie decided to take a penalty drop rather than play a provisional ball, based on the assumption that the ball taken by the boys was indeed Fitzpatrick's. This decision allowed him to complete the hole with a bogey-six instead of a potentially worse score had he played his provisional ball.

Fitzpatrick Credits Ball ‘Thieves’ at Wentworth: ‘They Saved Me a Shot’Matt Fitzpatrick credits “thieves” for snatching his ball during BMW PGA ChampionshipMirror - UKGB News‘Little thieves’ – Matt Fitzpatrick robbed by kids at Wentworth but it ‘saved him a shot’How Matt Fitzpatrick Saved A Shot After Kids Stole His Golf Ball At BMW PGA Championship

Fitzpatrick concluded the round with a six-under-par 66, placing him just two strokes behind the leader, Ludvig Åberg. The incident with the stolen ball, which Fitzpatrick humorously referred to as a favor from the "two little thieves," ultimately helped him maintain his strong performance heading into the Ryder Cup, where he is a member of the European team.

‘Little thieves’ – Matt Fitzpatrick robbed by kids at Wentworth but it ‘saved him a shot’

Fitzpatrick expressed gratitude for the unexpected turn of events, stating, “Those two little thieves probably saved me a shot. It would’ve been better if they’d thrown it on the fairway!” His comments reflect a light-hearted acceptance of the situation, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of golf.

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While Fitzpatrick's experience was largely viewed positively, some critics noted that the incident raises questions about the integrity of the game and the behavior of spectators. The notion that a player's score could be influenced by the actions of spectators, even inadvertently, may warrant further discussion within the golfing community.

Matt Fitzpatrick hit with penalty at BMW PGA Championship

As Fitzpatrick prepares for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, he carries momentum from his performance at Wentworth. With a series of strong finishes leading up to the event, including T4 placements at both the Open Championship and the Scottish Open, Fitzpatrick is positioned as a key player for the European team.

Matt Fitzpatrick hit with penalty at BMW PGA Championship

• “When the siren went, Dan said, 'What happens if someone goes sniffing around, finds your ball and decides to pocket it'.” — Matt Fitzpatrick

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• “So those two little thieves probably saved me a shot!” — Matt Fitzpatrick

‘Little thieves’ – Matt Fitzpatrick robbed by kids at Wentworth but it ‘saved him a shot’

• “I still made a bogey six but if I’d had to play my provisional ball, it could have been worse.” — Matt Fitzpatrick

‘Little thieves’ – Matt Fitzpatrick robbed by kids at Wentworth but it ‘saved him a shot’

This incident at the BMW PGA Championship highlights the unpredictable nature of golf and the unique circumstances that can arise during play, ultimately contributing to Fitzpatrick's ongoing success as he heads into a critical tournament.

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