‘This Is Egregious’: PGA Tour Champions Pro Gets Heavily Criticized for a Controversial ‘Cool Trick’ Shot Despite Making History at the Major

The first Major of the PGA Tour Champions is underway in Birmingham, Alabama, and it hasn’t disappointed the golf world in any possible way. The Region Traditions has provided the fans with all the enticing action. Among the many highlights of the event during the penultimate round was the record made by the leader of the event. Nonetheless, it was the final shot of the round which has grasped massive controversy from the golf world.

After the first round at the Greystone Founders Course, Swedish golfer Robert Karlsson wasn’t among the top tier of the leaderboard. However, after the completion of his 6-under-par second round, Karlsson managed to climb up the ladder.

But it was his record-breaking third round that managed to get all the headlines. However, despite joining the record books, Robert was heavily criticized for his final shot at the ongoing Major. Let’s take a look at what did the 11-time European Tour winner do at the Region Tradition that upset many fans.

Ricochet of a golf ball in a PGA Tour event?

Before heading to the final round on Sunday, Robert Karlsson shares the lead at the top alongside Steve Stricker. However, he only managed to reach the top of the leaderboard thanks to his 9-under-par score in the third round. Karlsson’s -9 ended up becoming the lowest score recorded at the Greystone Founders Course.

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To achieve the magical number, Robert required a birdie on the final hole. Though he managed to achieve it, it was his technique that was questioned by the golf world. The 18th hole at the Greystone Founders Course is built around the stands for fans. Since the par-5 hole is directly opposite a grandstand, Robert Karlsson, purposely or mistakenly, struck his fairway shot at the stands, with the ball bouncing back to the greens.

The Swedish golfer then required another shot before putting the ball into the hole and finishing his historical round. “It was cool trick. It was nice”, said Karlsson about his unique 18th-hole birdie. The bizarre shot at the end secured Robert’s spot in history books for the best round score at the Greystone Founders Course. Moreover, the 9-under par in the penultimate round also helped him join the leader Steve Stricker at the -16 score.

While the Swedish golfer may have been proud of his 18th-hole shot at the Region Traditions, fans on the internet weren’t pleased with the legend. Let’s take a look at what they had to say.

Golf world reacts to Karlsson’s controversial birdie

Though the shot by Robert Karlsson may be considered by many a smart move, fans on Twitter weren’t happy with the bizarre stroke. Some labeled it ‘Egregious’ while others followed up criticizing the golfer.

Some fans on Twitter even criticized the commentators who appreciated PGA Tour Champions Pro’s shot.

Golf admirers further scrutinized the Swedish golfer’s shot and even labeled the whole incident as ‘disgusting’.

Though Robert Karlsson was heavily criticized for his birdie on the 18th hole, he still remains in the history books for his record round at the Greystone Founders Course. Moreover, he is also only another round away from winning his maiden Major. Perhaps he could draw more controversy if he imitates his 18th-hole shot again in the final round.

What are your thoughts on Karlsson’s bizarre Grandstand shot? Let us know in the comment section below.

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