It was an eventful first round for Nick Hardy at the 3M Open, but ultimately a successful one. He just needs to replace one of his clubs before Friday.
In the matter of a few holes at TPC Twin Cities, the 27-year-old had one of the luckiest lip-ins and one of the most brutal lip-outs you’ll ever see. But that was nothing compared to the incredible recovery shot he hit on his ninth and final hole.
With his golf ball resting about a foot from a tree in the right rough, Hardy decided to hook a daring approach shot across a pond. Not only did he pull it off, he also hooked his iron around that tree in the process. Have a look:
Wow. As an announcer alludes to, it was definitely “worth it,” especially because it was Hardy’s last hole of the day. Even better? He rolled in the 11-footer for birdie to shoot an opening six-under-par 65. Here’s how he described his 9-iron (RIP 9-iron) from 176 yards after:
Well played, Nick. That’s why you’re a pro. But to anyone reading this, it’s probably best not to try that one at home.
