American golfer has embarrassing live microphone slip-up

An American golfer suffered two moments of embarrassment at the Masters on Sunday — and they were both captured on a live microphone.

Billy Horschel of the United States lines up a putt on the second green.

American golfer Bill Horschel had two Masters moments on Sunday morning (AEST) he wishes weren’t captured on camera — which they were.

The combination of the Augusta National course and the pressure of the Masters just claimed another victim.

After hitting a shot into Rae’s Creek on the par-5 13th hole, microphones picked up Horschel saying, “What a s*** bounce. What a s*** f***ing bounce”.

Horschel then took his socks and shoes off to walk into the water and hit his shot from in the creek. On his way down, though, Horschel slipped in his bare feet and fell on his butt.

He quickly got up and asked playing partner Phil Mickelson how bad the grass stain was on the back of his light-coloured slacks.

“I said, ‘How bad is that grass stain going to be,’ ” Horschel said afterward. “He said, ‘There may not be one there,’ and he looked and said, ‘Yeah, there’s one there, sorry, buddy’.”

AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 10: Billy Horschel of the United States plays a shot from a bunker on the second hole during the third round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club on April 10, 2021 in Augusta, Georgia. Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

Obviously, that’s going to be a highlight that’s played on social media. But, I was hoping to make the putt so at least it would be something funny from it.’’

Well, the incident was, indeed prominently displayed on social media and, after splashing his ball out of the creek and onto the green, Horschel saved par.

Billy Horschel slips down the hill on 13. pic.twitter.com/K2Y4XWDuaa

— Fantasy Golf Pod (@fantasygolfpod) April 10, 2021

Asked if the shot from the creek was as easy as he made it look, Horschel said. “No, it was completely submerged, and when I say completely submerged, I’d say it was probably a couple inches under the water. Fortunately enough, I’ve hit a few shots from the water just for fun in my lifetime, and I understand that the ball will come out as long as I hit it hard enough.

“Phil was impressed by that. I guess that’s my highlight of the day.’’

Mickelson was, indeed, impressed, calling it, “one of the best shots I’ve ever seen.’’

“It was an incredible golf shot,’’ he said. “That’s not easy. Sometimes that thing comes out kind of blah. I’m curious how he hit that.’’

Originally published as American golfer has embarrassing live microphone slip-up