Smylie Kaufman: The Golf Channel’s New Viral Sensation
It’s been two years since television history was made and golf postgame coverage was forever changed. Two years since Johnson Wagner’s iconic golf ball-throwing moment on the seventh hole at TPC Sawgrass for a Golf Channel “Live From” segment. Wagner attempted to recreate a bounce Rory McIlroy had experienced, but instead, he created a segment that quickly went viral.
With Wagner now at NBC, Smylie Kaufman is stepping up to fill the void on Golf Channel, and so far, he’s proving to be incredibly entertaining. He’s quickly becoming known for his engaging personality and, let’s be honest, his ability to create must-see TV.
Recreating Golf History (and Hilarious Mishaps)
Earlier this week, Kaufman attempted to recreate Si Woo Kim’s legendary driver-off-the-deck shot from his 2017 Players Championship win – a shot Kaufman witnessed firsthand. The result? Back-to-back duck hooks. It was a valiant effort, but a reminder that even the pros have their off moments.
But the real magic happened on Thursday night at TPC Sawgrass’ infamous 17th hole, which played particularly challenging during the opening round. Kaufman, under the lights, prepared to hit a shot and inadvertently invoked the announcer’s jinx.
“Well, Brandel, I’ve never hit a ball in the water here on the 17th,” Kaufman confidently stated to the show’s hosts. “So, maybe that’s the announcer’s jinx.”
You can probably guess what happened next. Watch for yourself:
[Embed Video Here – Link to the viral clip of Smylie Kaufman hitting into the water]
Ouch. You can see the moment Kaufman realizes his fate, but he still said it! As a fellow content creator, one can only respect the commitment to the bit.
The Legacy Continues
Kaufman is quickly establishing himself as a fan favorite, bringing a fresh and humorous perspective to golf coverage. He’s following in Wagner’s footsteps, proving that entertainment and golf can be a winning combination. His willingness to embrace the moment, even when it goes hilariously wrong, is what makes him so compelling to watch.
For more on the PGA Tour and its personalities, check out the official PGA Tour website. You can also find insightful analysis and commentary at Golf Channel.
