PGA Tour Pro Adam Hadwin Makes Amends with Course Crew after Frustration-Fueled Outburst
PGA Tour pro Adam Hadwin has taken responsibility for his actions and made amends with the course crew at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club following an incident during the Valspar Championship last week. The 37-year-old Canadian golfer let his frustrations get the best of him during the second round of the tournament, resulting in a broken sprinkler on the course.
A Comical Scene Turns Costly
During the 10th hole, Hadwin smashed his club into the ground in frustration, inadvertently breaking a sprinkler head in the process. Water sprayed everywhere as Hadwin attempted to push the sprinkler back into the ground, but his efforts were in vain. Despite the comical nature of the scene, Hadwin’s outburst had consequences for both himself and the course.
A Gesture of Apology
Hadwin’s mishap ultimately led to him missing the cut by three shots, finishing the day five-over par. However, he took responsibility for his actions and promptly paid for the damages caused by the broken sprinkler. In addition, Hadwin sent a video message to the course crew and bought lunch for the entire course maintenance department as a gesture of apology.
Gratitude from the Course Crew
The Valspar Championship shared the news of Hadwin’s gesture on social media, highlighting his efforts to make amends. Ryan Stewart, the Director of Agronomy at Innisbrook, expressed his gratitude for Hadwin’s actions, thanking him for paying for the sprinkler head and treating the course staff to lunch. Hadwin’s wife, Jessica, also joined in the conversation, jokingly suggesting that they should make amends with the sprinkler itself.
Not the First Golfer to Battle Sprinklers
While Hadwin’s encounter with the sprinkler may seem rare, it is not the first time a professional golfer has had such an incident. In 1999, Davis Love III, a 21-time PGA Tour winner, had his own battle with a sprinkler system during the Bay Hill Invitational. After watching his shot roll through the green, Love smacked the sprinkler with his sand wedge, shattering the valve and causing water to flood the bunker where he took his shot from.
Taking Responsibility and Moving Forward
Adam Hadwin’s actions after his frustration-fueled outburst at the Valspar Championship demonstrate his accountability and willingness to make amends. By paying for the damages and offering a sincere apology, he has shown respect for the course and its crew. Such incidents serve as a reminder that even professional golfers can succumb to frustration on the course, but it is how they handle the aftermath that truly defines their character.
