Justin Thomas Lined Up for Absurd Bank Shot Off Fence, and Golf Fans Had Jokes

Justin Thomas found himself in an interesting predicament Thursday during the first round of the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles.

Thomas’s tee shot on the par-4 2nd hole ended up cutting way left of the fairway and landed a few inches away from a fence, right next to a cable on the ground. 

He called a rules official over to talk about his next shot but was not granted relief, as under the rules players are not allowed free relief from objects that define or mark the course boundary. He was able to remove an adjacent power cable and rope, but not permitted to move his ball away from the fence.

Instead of taking a penalty, Thomas attempted to bank his next shot off the fence and ricochet it into some playable rough. Here’s how it went:

Remarkably, Thomas plopped his third shot on the green about eight feet from the hole, but missed the putt and settled for a bogey.

Still, an incredible save. Golf fans enjoyed the moment:

Thomas recovered with a birdie on the 3rd hole but registered three bogeys over the next six holes to head to the 10th tee box at 3 over par.