Brooks Koepka Expresses Relief After Girl Escapes Injury in Golf Cart Incident The Valspar Championship faced a brief disruption during Saturday’s third round when a young spectator was struck by a golf cart. The incident occurred as Brooks Koepka was playing the par-3 15th hole, prompting him to leave his position and check on the child. Koepka, who was among the first to respond, later shared his thoughts on the event during his post-round interview. According to NBC broadcast analyst Dan Hicks, the girl had been caught underneath the golf cart, which was transporting spectators. However, walking reporter Smylie Kaufman clarified that the child had avoided serious injury. “She’s going to be OK after medical evaluation,” Kaufman reported, adding that the moment was “very scary.” Koepka expressed relief upon learning the girl’s condition. “I just felt terrible for her,” Koepka said, referencing the girl’s name as Shay. “From all the reports you’ve got, she’s okay, thankfully. So that’s all that matters, as long as she’s okay.” He acknowledged the incident was unfortunate but emphasized that the child had not suffered any major harm. “I know she’s probably a little scared, and I just felt for her at the time. It shouldn’t have happened, but as long as she’s okay, nothing crazy happened to her, then it will be okay.” Koepka’s performance on the course was unaffected by the incident. He made a double bogey at the par-4 16th hole, finishing the third round at four under par. With a total of 11 shots behind the leader, Sungjae Im, Koepka admitted he was still far from contention. “I’m a long ways away,” he said. “I felt like I needed to get to at least, it would have been nice to stay at 6.” He expressed hope for a strong final round, stating, “I need a real low one tomorrow.#brooks_koepka #smylie_kaufman #valspar_championship #shay #dan_hicks
The unusual heartbreak of Daniel Berger's Arnold Palmer loss Daniel Berger finished second at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in a playoff, marking a moment of intense frustration after a grueling battle for the title. For much of the tournament, Berger had been in control, leading the field since his opening-round 63 on Thursday. But on the final hole, the pressure mounted as his playing partner, Akshay Bhatia, emerged as a serious contender. Berger faced a critical moment on the 72nd hole, where a 13-foot par putt became a defining test of his resolve. After sinking the putt to secure a share of the lead, Berger erupted in a rare display of emotion, throwing fist pumps and shouting into the crowd—a stark contrast to his typically reserved demeanor. The victory for Berger was bittersweet, as it came after nearly a decade of struggle. He had spent 27 months sidelined by injuries between late 2021 and early 2026, battling back from back and finger injuries that had plagued his career. By the time he reached Bay Hill, he was at the peak of his physical and mental capabilities, determined to reclaim his place on the PGA Tour. Yet, the tournament’s final moments proved to be a cruel twist. Bhatia made his own par putt to force a playoff, setting up a tense showdown on the 18th hole. The first playoff hole tested both players’ composure. Bhatia delivered a flawless drive down the center of the fairway, while Berger’s approach was far less impressive. His drive veered into the rough, leaving him with a long shot to the green. Bhatia, meanwhile, executed a brilliant iron shot to the fat part of the green, setting up a short par putt. Berger’s lag putt on the 18th hole was solid, leaving just under 8 feet for par, but the Tour’s make-rate from that distance was uncertain.#arnold_palmer_invitational #bay_hill #daniel_berger #akshay_bhatia #smylie_kaufman
