Largemouth Bass Intercepts Golf Ball at LIV Event in New Jersey

Professional golfer Charl Schwartzel became an unlikely victim of predatory wildlife during LIV Golf New York this past weekend when a largemouth bass consumed his golf ball mid-play. The incident occurred at Trump National Golf Club Bedminster during the par-3 seventh hole, which measured 134 yards, when Schwartzel’s tee shot landed on the green before rolling backward into the water.

The moment the ball entered the pond, a largemouth bass surged from beneath the surface and swallowed the ball in one swift motion, demonstrating the lightning-fast reflexes these ambush predators are known for. Largemouth bass typically consume fish, crayfish, frogs, and small animals such as lizards and insects, though golf balls are decidedly outside their normal dietary preferences.

Schwartzel, the 2011 Masters champion who won the inaugural LIV Golf event in 2022, faced an unfortunate consequence from the wildlife interference. Although golf rules typically waive penalties when outside influences including animals affect a ball at rest, Schwartzel’s ball had already entered the penalty area, resulting in a one-stroke penalty and eventual bogey on the hole.

The LIV Golf tournament ran from August 6 through 9 in the New York area, marking the tour’s return to the region. While golf courses frequently feature unexpected wildlife appearances from alligators, snakes, birds, bears and moose, a bass actively hunting a golf ball at the water’s edge remains an exceptionally rare occurrence.