Golf is an unpredictable game, and the greens have proven this more than once. From Windham Clark’s ball “issue” at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, which garnered support from his PGA Tour peers, to Mito Pereira’s stunning ace, the gentleman’s game has once again proven that it is full of surprises.
But one incident that stole the show was Cameron Smith’s hilarious mishap at LIV Golf’s Hong Kong event. On Friday, during the first round, the Ripper GC captain found himself at the mercy of golf’s cruel nature.
HONG KONG, CHINA – MARCH 7: Cameron Smith of Australia reacts during on day one of LIV Golf Hong Kong at The Hong Kong Golf Club on March 7, 2025 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo…
HONG KONG, CHINA – MARCH 7: Cameron Smith of Australia reacts during on day one of LIV Golf Hong Kong at The Hong Kong Golf Club on March 7, 2025 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
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Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Getty Images
After hitting a shot at the 5th hole, Smith’s ball landed near the edge of the green, prompting him to sprint over 100+ yards to mark it before rolling down the slope. But it got more cruel when Smith reached near his ball only to see it funnel back.
The Aussie golfer’s immediate reaction was one of our keypad emojis: “🙆🏻♂️.” However, that was not the end of troubles for Cam Smith. Rather, it doubled down as golf influencer Dan Rapoport, who was broadcasting alongside Paige Spiranac at the Creator Classic TPC Sawgrass, took to his official X profile to share his thoughts on the incident.
Dan wrote, “Not sure I’ve ever seen a pro run 100+ yards to try to mark a ball before it rolls down a slope—and then it rolls down anyway because this game is cruel and unusual.”
Not sure I’ve ever seen a pro run 100+ yards to try to mark a ball before it rolls down a slope—and then it rolls down anyway because this game is cruel and unusual
pic.twitter.com/NjWBYCho6V
— Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) March 7, 2025
The post grabbed fans’ attention, with some questioning Smith’s fitness abilities.
Fans made it worse for Cameron Smith
While fitness and golf might be a huge topic of debate in the golfing world, Smith’s 100+ yard sprint offended a lot of fans. One user jokingly commented, “That was the most unathletic jog in the history of mankind.” But what’s behind this criticism?
According to golf’s ‘Bad Boy’, John Daly, the golf world’s focus on fitness began with Tiger Woods’ arrival on the scene. Woods’ rigorous fitness routine raised the bar for professional golfers, and many have followed suit.
In a recent episode of the Like a Farmer podcast, Daly praised Woods’s dedication to fitness, saying, “The way he works out, the way he practices, and everything he does is 100%.”
Daly also acknowledged that the younger generation of golfers is indeed fitter. Perhaps this newfound emphasis on fitness is what led one critic to comment, “Do better. RUN. Lumbering along never looks good!”
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 14: Cameron Smith of Ripper GC in the rough on the 8th during day one of LIV Golf Adelaide at The Grange Golf Club on February 14, 2025 in Adelaide, Australia….
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 14: Cameron Smith of Ripper GC in the rough on the 8th during day one of LIV Golf Adelaide at The Grange Golf Club on February 14, 2025 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images)
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Sarah Reed/Getty Images
Another user sarcastically chimed in, “Calling that running is a STRETCH.” The jokes didn’t stop there, with one user humorously comparing Smith’s sprint to the iconic movie Forest Gump, saying, “Run, Forrest, run!”
What are your thoughts about this situation? Let us know in the comment section.
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