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Xander Schauffele’s Drive Lands in Patron’s Merchandise Bag at The Masters

A rules official directed a drop that resolved the rare fan-bag mishap.

Overview

  • On the par-5 8th during the opening round, Schauffele’s tee shot went left of the fairway and came to rest inside a spectator’s shopping bag.
  • After a short talk with an official, he took a drop and continued play, then reached the green and two-putted to save par.
  • Reporters said his next shot traveled about 247 yards and set up a short pitch before the par-saving putts.
  • The bag appeared to be full of Augusta National merchandise that is sold only at the on-site shop, and the patron who found the ball did not keep it.
  • The light moment came in his ninth Masters start, where he owns five top-10s in the past seven years, days after he joked that fans should load up at the merch shop.