Max Homa experienced an unusual obstacle when he played on the front nine of this year’s Masters.
Golf’s first major of the year got underway at Augusta National on Thursday, with Homa making his sixth tournament start.
The American PGA Tour star hit birdies on holes two and three before back-to-back bogeys on the fifth and sixth.
A wayward opening shot on the eighth landed on the rough close to woodland and offered him a slight challenge to reach the fairway.
Homa lined up a shot that arrowed between some trees, but it flew into an unexpected target on the iconic golf course.
The ball hit the back of a surprised caddie, who quickly turned round upon contact in apparent confusion over what just happened.
“Come on dude!” shouted Homa after watching his effort stop in its tracks, with the crowd’s shock also audible.
Homa eventually parred the hole and finished the 12th one-under, but an immediate double bogey halted his progress.
The 34-year-old went on to finish two-over 72 that put him tied for 51st at the end of day one.
His first 18 in Augusta for 2025 came after the news of his split with caddie Joe Greiner.
“It was not my choice so it sucked,” he told the media.
“But we always had a deal that we’re friends first and friendship mattered more than the work thing, and he was wise enough to do what he did.”
Day one of the 2025 Masters belonged to Justin Rose as he finished seven-under with an impressive score of 65.
Tied for second on four-under are Ludvig Aberg, Corey Connors and reigning champion Scottie Scheffler.
Rory McIlroy, who is chasing his first ever Masters win to complete a career Grand Slam, finished the front nine three-under.
But double bogeys on the 15th and 17th meant he ended the day with a level-par 72 to brush aside his strong start.
McIlroy has the opportunity to swiftly recover on Friday though as he will be one of the earlier starters for day two.
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