Ian Poulter narrowly avoided a serious injury on Thursday at the LIV Golf UK event when a wayward drive from Bryson DeChambeau landed close to him on the fairway. The incident occurred as Poulter, 50, was preparing to take his own shot at the JCB Golf and Country Club in Rocester.
Poulter was left visibly angered by the event, as no "fore" warning shout was heard from DeChambeau. Video captured DeChambeau watching as Poulter turned around, appearing furious, after the ball landed approximately one meter away. Poulter then sarcastically shouted "fore" in DeChambeau's direction, a gesture that followed audible shock from the crowd.
DeChambeau was observed slapping his thigh in frustration following the errant shot. Commentators noted that it appeared no one had informed DeChambeau that his drive was heading towards an opponent. Poulter, speaking after the round, stated it was not DeChambeau's fault, suggesting the ball may have "grazed the ear" on its way past. He acknowledged the scare, stating his heart rate elevated significantly upon hearing the ball approaching. Commentators on TNT Sports also stated that DeChambeau seemed unaware of the ball's trajectory and that the situation was not his fault.
"It wasn't his fault at all," Poulter told TNT Sports. "It just grazed the ear, I think on the way past, it was very close. It wouldn't have been good, it would have hurt - a lot."
Poulter added, "That was a shock to the system, the heart rate went up quite a bit. When you can hear that ball cutting through the air as it passes your ear."