As he shouted ‘fore’ and pointed left after striking his approach into the 18th hole at Topwin Golf and Country Club, the last thing on George Coetzee’s mind would have been making eagle – however that was just what the South African signed for after an extraordinary stroke of good fortune.
Coetzee, who is going well at nine under par after three rounds of the Volvo China Open, could not believe his luck as his ball bounced back off the grandstand by the final green (making a very loud, comical noise in the process), before making its way across the putting surface and coming to rest only six feet from the pin.
The galleries loved it, and so did George.
“It’s always nice to get some luck and nice bounces," he said.
"It certainly wasn’t the best of irons and I needed the help. I certainly got it and a few more of those tomorrow would be great.”
More was to come as well, with Coetzee confidently stroking home the resulting putt for his first eagle of the tournament.
The story of the 18th grandstand was not over there however, with third round leader Dylan Frittelli also taking the ‘Coetzee line’, and getting plenty of fortune as well - with his ball also bouncing back off the grandstand onto the green.
And another one...
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) April 29, 2017
Hitting the 18th grandstand has paid off today. pic.twitter.com/elpyHCOPxm
Rarely on the European Tour have we seen two such lucky shots within moments of one another – not to mention on the same hole, and by the same very lucky route as well.
It might be time to rename that grandstand on 18. Suggestions welcome...
