PGA National’s Championship Course historically has a way of making even the best golfers in the world struggle, but usually, high scores are caused by its plethora of water hazards, specifically in the BEAR TRAP. On Friday, however, one player put up a big number without getting his golf ball wet. In fact, he even hit the green in regulation.
Thomas Detry was on in two shots on the par-4 sixth hole when the unthinkable happened. From 51 feet away, his birdie attempt wasn’t terrible, either, running about six feet past the cup. But then, disaster struck.
The 31-year-old Belgian missed his par attempt. Then missed the comebacker for bogey. Then missed again. And again. Before finally tapping in.
Add it all up and it was a dreaded snowman on the par 4, but a rare one at that. A SIX-putt? And taking five putts from six feet? You don’t see that every day. Fortunately for Detry, there doesn’t seem to be video, but Shotlink knows all. (Actually, Shotlink has been known to make the occasional mistake, but considering this happened a few holes ago, it appears legit.)
Yikes, that’s ugly. Not that the rest of Detry’s scorecard is much better. Aside from that quad, Detry had four other bogeys on his front nine as he made the turn in eight-over-par 43 and in dead last place among the 144-man field.
But, hey, even Ernie Els had a six-putt at the Masters once. And Tiger Woods hit a shank just a couple weeks ago. Heck, Anthony Kim hit one last night. So shake it off, Thomas. And then, maybe go work on your short putting a bit more before your next start.
UPDATE: We now have video!
The single greatest putting display in professional golf history pic.twitter.com/biutuTlocI
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) March 1, 2024
