Swarm of bees cause chaos at Mexico Open as golf stars forced to hit deck

28 April 2023 , 08:04

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Hilarious scenes took place at Vidanta Vallarta (Image: PGA Tour)

A swarm of bees temporarily stopped play at the Mexico Open on Thursday, forcing stars to suddenly get on ground and avoid any stings.

During the first day of the PGA Tour 's latest stage at Vidanta Vallarta in Jalisco, players, caddies and cameramen were seen hilariously hitting the deck as bees flew over the course. South African golfer Erik van Rooyen, 33, was preparing to hit his approach shot when he spotted a wave of oncoming insets.

The bees couldn't been seen on camera but someone was heard shouting: "Bees, bees, bees, bees," as Van Rooyen quickly laid on his knees and crouched down. A cameraman then ran to the side of the fairway, ducking down alongside the rest of the 33-year-old's group which included Francesco Molinari and Chez Reavie.

Golf Channel's lead commentator remarked: "Oh my goodness, guys, I'm lucky. I'm about 150 yards away but in all my years, I've never seen this before." His co-commentator then laughed: "That's the most unusual thing I've ever seen on a golf course, everyone just hit the deck. It's like a fog of bees flew through."

Van Rooyen later said: "I just told my caddie, 'Bees, bees, bees', and he looks at me like I'm crazy. So I dropped down, then he sees them, he dropped down. Frankie and Chez, they look at me like I'm nuts and then 30 seconds later the bees just went right at them. It's funny, but certainly don't want to get stung by those bad boys."

Jon Rahm shows off short game with chip-ins during wet and windy Open practice

Fortunately, it appears that the bees didn't cause any further disruption and play was able to continue. Van Rooyen managed to finish the day without any stings and seven under par, meaning that he's tied with Argentine Estanislao Goya and trails American leader Austin Smotherman by one shot.

Have your say! Who'll win the Mexico Open? Join the debate in the comments section.

Perhaps the biggest talking point of Thursday's session was World No.1 Jon Rahm being four shots off Smotherman. Spaniard Rahm, whose only PGA Tour title came by winning last year's Mexico Open, produced five birdies on his last 11 holes to overcome a sluggish start for a four-under 67.

"Those first 13 holes we had virtually no wind, about as easy conditions as it can get. I wish I would have taken advantage of it more," Rahm, also the reigning Masters champion, admitted. "I'm happy I played as good as I did on the back nine and capped it off with the putt on the last hole.

Nathan Ridley