In a recent viral moment, 58-year-old Englishman Paul Broadhurst missed a 1-inch putt for bogey on Carnoustie’s 7th green during the Senior Open. The clip quickly gained traction on social media, showing Broadhurst swinging and missing the putt with just his right hand. The announcers on the Sky Sports broadcast expressed their disbelief and disappointment at the unusual miss, with one commentator noting that in his prime, Broadhurst would have easily made the putt. The broadcast initially cut away from the missed putt, only to replay it later for viewers to see. Broadhurst eventually tapped in for a double bogey, clearly frustrated by the error.
Adding to the drama of the missed putt, Broadhurst revealed in a pre-tournament interview that he has been battling arthritis in his right ankle. Despite this physical setback, he is determined to compete in the Senior Open without the use of a buggy, which is allowed in PGA Tour Champions events but not at this tournament. Broadhurst previously won the 2016 Senior Open at Carnoustie, making his current struggles all the more poignant. In the interview, he expressed his commitment to playing through the pain and continuing to compete at a high level.
During the interview with on-course analyst Tim Barter, Broadhurst discussed the challenges of playing with arthritis in his ankle and reflected on his past victory at Carnoustie. He emphasized the significance of winning the Senior Open and holding the Claret Jug, highlighting it as the top achievement in his career. Despite his physical limitations and the missed putt, Broadhurst remains focused on competing to the best of his ability in the tournament. The exchange between Broadhurst and Barter shed light on the determination and resilience required to compete at a high level in professional golf, especially in the face of physical challenges.
While the missed putt may have garnered attention for its unusual nature, Broadhurst’s perseverance in overcoming his ankle arthritis and continuing to compete at the Senior Open is equally noteworthy. His dedication to the sport and his past success at Carnoustie demonstrate his commitment to excellence on the golf course. As fans and viewers react to the viral moment, they have the opportunity to appreciate the mental and physical fortitude required to compete in professional golf at an elite level. Broadhurst’s story serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of athletes in overcoming adversity and striving for success in their chosen field.
