Is there any penalty for the viewers getting hit by the ball or equipment? Though, as for fans’ safety, there should be, but in reality, there isn’t any such rule for it. It is a very rare sight to see when fans are getting hit by the ball or equipment. Even though sometimes accidentally it happens. The closest rule associated with it is Rule 11.1, which states, ‘There is no penalty if a ball in motion accidentally hits a person.’

However, maintaining the code of conduct is very crucial for players to avoid fines. Something which Rory McIlroy will never forget. He was fined $5,000 earlier at the WGC-Cadillac Championship in 2015, where he tossed his club in water after dissatisfaction with his shot. However, he regretted his action and said “I wouldn’t encourage anyone to do it, especially if there’s kids watching at home.” McIlroy further said, “First of all, it’s expensive, and second of all, you shouldn’t do it. But yeah, it was one of those things that, heat of the moment, and you know, we’ll move on.”

After almost 10 years of the incident, Hideki Matsuyama was seen with something similar. During his par 5 9th hole at the Sentry 2025, for his tee shot, he made an unexpected error which resulted in an apology to the fans. After hitting the tee shot, the driver slipped from his hand and was tossed towards the fans.

The Sentry champion went running to apologize and ask fans if they were okay. Considering it, the 11X PGA Tour winner was spared for the move. While the video went viral, fans were extremely angry at his unintentional error. The post shared by NUCLR Golf saw fans’ rebellious mode as fans were in the motion of suspending him. One of the fans wrote, “Suspend Him Immediately.”

Though as compared to McIlroy’s deliberate throw, Matsuyama wasn’t planning on hitting the fans. Even fans would agree with that, as the driver slipped and went off the course towards the fan. However, this is not the first time a golfer has let slip their golf club from their hands to cause an indirect accident.

Other incidents of golfers which left fans in danger

While the shot going off the course is not a common sight, when it happens, it is a matter of concern for both golfers and fans. It has been seen many times in the past. Some of the incidents to mention are, the 2024 Masters, Tiger Woods mistakenly hit a viewer with a shot that went across the fairway. Even more horrifying was Max Homa’s shot that just missed a fan who was recording the golfer’s shot from the rough. During the third round of The Players Championship, the ball came close to hitting the fan’s head. But fortunately, it ended up hitting the tree.

Jordan Spieth has hit the fans mistakenly twice and has apologized for it with his great gesture. During the Player Championship in 2023, the ball hit a fan’s knee, for which he gave the weekend ticket to the fans. Even in May 2024, the ball accidentally hit the elbow of the fans, for which the golfer went on to apologize with a sweet gesture of offering him a signed ball and glove.

Fans are the heart of the game and for professionals, getting the ball or equipment towards the fans accidentally is distressing. However, fans understand the complications of the game and have been very supportive of the move. Be it the fans who were hit by the ball or the fans who missed by just inches. But should there be any rule for balls or equipment hitting the fans? Should golfers get fined for it? What are your thoughts on this? Share with us in the comments section below.