If someone swipes a player’s ball during a live golf event, it usually sparks fury.
But last week at the BMW PGA Championship, Matt Fitzpatrick found himself in a situation so bizarre, it actually helped him.
VIRGINIA WATER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Matt Fitzpatrick of England lines up a putt on the 16th green on day four of the BMW PGA Championship 2025 at Wentworth Golf Club on September 14, 2025…
VIRGINIA WATER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Matt Fitzpatrick of England lines up a putt on the 16th green on day four of the BMW PGA Championship 2025 at Wentworth Golf Club on September 14, 2025 in Virginia Water, England. (Photo by Kate McShane/Getty Images)
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The incident unfolded during Thursday’s weather-delayed round at Wentworth. That day, thunder and lightning halted play for over 90 minutes, just moments after Fitzpatrick had hit a wayward drive off the 18th tee that disappeared into the trees.
With no clear sight of the ball, he was forced to play a provisional. But the robbers saved his day.
“Someone from the public saw two lads running into the bushes, running out with a golf ball and so they can only think it was my ball,” Fitzpatrick explained, as quoted by Golf Monthly.
He added, “I made a bogey six, but if we’d had to find it, we probably wouldn’t have. I’d then have had to play my provisional ball and it would likely have been worse. So, all in all, it was a good result. I’d have preferred rather than steal it, they’d chucked it back out on to the fairway.”
Because the ball was confirmed missing, thanks to eyewitnesses who saw two young spectators dash off with it, the 31-year-old pro was granted a penalty drop when play resumed.
That allowed him to avoid using the provisional ball, which could have led to a double or worse. Instead, he finished round one with a six-under 66.
The one-time U.S. Open champion has been trending upward, and his performance at Wentworth only reinforced his value to Team Europe.
The tournament itself was won by none other than Ryder Cup vice captain Alex Noren, who took home $1.53M from the $9M purse. Fitzpatrick finished tied for fifth at 15-under, with rounds of 66-71-69-67.
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