Smylie Kaufman, taking over from Johnson Wagner on Golf Channel, found himself on the wrong end of an announcer’s jinx during a recent ‘Live From’ segment. The incident occurred at TPC Sawgrass’ famous 17th hole, which was proving difficult during the opening round.
Kaufman Fills Wagner’s Shoes
It has been two years since Johnson Wagner began throwing golf balls on the seventh hole at TPC Sawgrass for a Golf Channel “Live From” segment. Wagner’s attempt to recreate a bounce Rory McIlroy had gotten with a watery drive went viral and created a popular segment. With Wagner now at NBC, Smylie Kaufman is now on Golf Channel.
Duck Hooks and Announcer’s Jinx
Earlier in the week, Kaufman tried to recreate Si Woo Kim’s driver-off-the-deck from his 2017 Players win. Kaufman, who had a front-row seat at the time, hit back-to-back duck hooks. Then, on Thursday night, Kaufman went to TPC Sawgrass’ 17th hole to hit a shot under the lights.
Speaking to the show’s hosts, including Brandel Chamblee, Kaufman stated, “Well, Brandel, I’ve never hit a ball in the water here on the 17th. So, maybe that’s the announcer’s jinx.” He then proceeded to hit a ball into the water.
Despite seemingly knowing what was coming, Kaufman still made the fateful statement. As a content creator, Kaufman earned respect for the blunder.
The 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass played particularly tough during the opening round.