Golfer Dies Due To “Freak” Accident After Being Stuck By Golf Ball

A New Zealand golfer dies after being struck in the temple by an errant golf shot.  According to the New Zealand Herald, the shot occurred as the victim and friends were waiting on the second tee. Jaden Goldfinch-Booker was 27.

Goldfinch-Booker was rushed to Dunedin Hospital after being struck in the head by a golf ball at Frankton Golf Course in Queenstown on February 17. He was placed in an induced coma in ICU but died soon afterwards.

“This is a shock and a tragedy for the family and friends of the man, and for those who were present at the time,” officer Inglis said.

“While the cause of death will be determined by the coroner, we recognize the nature of the incident is not common and I personally have not overseen a case like this in my career.”

The report does not say where the shot came from and which golfer struck it. It’s apparent no one yelled “Fore!” after the wayward blow.

I’ve been struck just once in nearly 50-years of playing golf. It was a one-hop drive hitting me in the back. I’m frankly surprised it doesn’t happen more often–especially on some munis in Southern California I’ve played where the tee box is in direct line of other shots–and only protected by an iffy chain link fence.

As they said during every episode of Hill Street Blues, “Be careful out there.”