Golf is known for its calm and composed atmosphere, but sometimes even the most seasoned players lose their cool under pressure.
That was definitely the case at the PGA Championship’s opening round at Quail Hollow, where tensions ran high and frustrations boiled over — both in the clubhouse and on the course.
Tyrrell Hatton’s Fiery Outburst Caught on Camera
English golfer Tyrrell Hatton showed why he’s considered one of the most intense personalities on the tour when he let loose a colorful, X-rated tirade during his round on Thursday.
Hatton was playing well, sitting at three-under-par and close to the leaders when he reached the tricky par-three 17th hole.
Unfortunately, his tee shot landed just off the right side of the green, and his reaction was captured on a hot mic: “Oh my God, that is… the worst f***ing…”
The broadcast quickly cut away, but commentators had already been talking about Hatton’s fiery temperament.
One joked, “I don’t know if he has many stress-free rounds, even when he’s playing well.”
After the outburst, they laughed and said, “See what I mean?”
Despite the frustration, Hatton managed to bounce back, bogeying 17 but making par on 18 to finish the day at three-under-par 68.
Earlier in his round, his temper flared again when he reportedly threw his club after reaching the green in two shots on a par five.
Top Players Slam PGA Rules Over Muddy Conditions
Hatton wasn’t the only player visibly frustrated on Thursday.
Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, two of the top-ranked golfers in the world, openly criticized the tournament organizers for a controversial ruling that left the course muddy and unpredictable.
Despite heavy rain in North Carolina over the past week — five inches in total — the PGA of America decided not to allow preferred lies, which means players couldn’t improve their ball’s position in the muddy conditions.
This decision led to widespread complaints as players struggled with balls coated in mud.
Scheffler and Schauffele both lost strokes when their shots were affected by the slippery conditions, most notably on the 16th hole, where both hit approaches into the water and ended up with double bogeys.
Scheffler Speaks Out About the Impact of the Ruling
Scheffler, who managed to finish with a 69 despite the chaos, explained his frustration: “I understand the purist side that says ‘play it as it lies,’ but you have to realize how much work goes into controlling a golf ball — distance, spin, everything.
And then a rule takes that away from you purely by chance.”
He continued, “Golf already has enough luck involved over 72 holes.
The story shouldn’t be about whether you’re allowed to lift or clean your ball.”
Scheffler believes the ball should have been played up (allowed to be cleaned or moved to a better spot) given the conditions, saying, “It cost me two shots on one hole, but I didn’t let it mess with me and still played solid golf.”
Schauffele Shares His Disappointment Over Course Conditions
Defending champion Xander Schauffele was equally vocal about his displeasure, shooting a 72 on a day that felt anything but fair.
He said, “I wouldn’t want to be in the locker room — I’m sure a lot of guys aren’t happy with these conditions.”
Schauffele pointed out that the grass was in great shape and that cleaning the ball wouldn’t have given an unfair advantage.
“The course is perfectly maintained, so you’re basically left to guess how much mud is on your ball and how that affects spin and control,” he said.
He admitted getting lucky on several shots but acknowledged how much of a guessing game it had become in such tricky conditions.