Jimmy Stanger’s Water-Ball Woes at the American Express
Introduction
Jimmy Stanger faced a challenging start at the American Express tournament on Thursday, showcasing the unpredictable nature of professional golf. Despite making a birdie on the par-5 11th—his second hole of the day—things took a drastic turn at the 13th tee.
A Troubling Turn of Events
Stanger teed off at the 13th hole—a daunting par 3 that challenges even the most seasoned players. Unlike the famous island green at the 17th, this hole provides ample room to the right. However, a missed shot can lead to disaster. Unfortunately for Stanger, his tee shot pulled left and landed straight in the water.
Water Balls Galore
- First Water Ball: A left pull that never crossed land resulted in a challenging re-tee situation.
- Second Water Ball: Another mishap occurred with a similar dead pull.
By now, Stanger found himself hitting five strokes from the tee, a nightmare scenario for any professional golfer. While amateurs might consider taking a drop or simply recording a six, Stanger had no such privilege.
The Final Shot
After re-teeing yet again, Stanger faced another shot over water. Despite the pressure, he finally managed to miss right and remarkably salvaged the situation, scoring a sextuple bogey 9. A score of that magnitude is rare in professional play, and one Stanger is unlikely to forget soon.
Social Media Response
With a good sense of humor, Stanger shared his experience on social media with a fitting GIF, highlighting the camaraderie that exists even in challenging moments.
A Resilient Finish
Despite the rough patch at hole 13, Stanger recovered well for the remainder of his round. He managed to record four birdies and two double bogeys, finishing even par for the remaining 14 holes. Ultimately, he concluded the round with a score of five-over 77, placing him T-151—just one shot above last place.
Conclusion
Jimmy Stanger’s experience at the American Express illustrates the unpredictability and challenges of professional golf. As he continues through the tournament, fans and fellow players alike will be watching to see how he bounces back from this memorable yet difficult day on the course.
Key Highlights:
- Stanger’s initial success with a birdie at hole 11.
- The unfortunate string of water balls at hole 13 leading to a sextuple bogey.
- A resilient performance with four birdies and two doubles after the incident.
Stay tuned for further coverage as we follow Stanger and other competitors throughout the tournament.

