Justin Rose became the latest PGA Tour player to have an unforgettable moment for all the wrong reasons. A wayward shot during the first round of the Valero Texas Open had golf fans buzzing, thanks to a perfectly timed one-liner from the broadcast booth.
The Shot Heard Around Social Media
On the par-4 4th hole, Rose hit a shot that instantly made headlines. Cameras caught the Englishman shanking the ball badly, sending it nowhere near its intended target. In frustration—or maybe disbelief—he let go of the club, watching it helicopter through the air.
The scene itself was already gold, but commentator Robert Damron made it even better.
“That is a world-class shank,” Damron quipped, nailing the moment with a phrase that was both hilarious and brutally accurate.
Golf fans quickly latched onto the clip. By the time the round was over, the video had flooded social media, racking up hundreds of thousands of views. People love seeing pros struggle with the same mistakes weekend golfers make. It’s a rare reminder that even the best in the world aren’t immune to mishits.
A Moment of Pain in an Otherwise Solid Round
While that shank stole the spotlight, Rose wasn’t exactly playing terrible golf. At the time, he was 3-under on his round, looking strong on the leaderboard. But that one disastrous shot led to a double bogey, a mistake that derailed his momentum.
He tried to recover, adding a birdie at the par-4 6th. But golf has a way of kicking you when you’re down. Bogeys at the 7th and 9th left him signing for an even-par 72—a frustrating result after such a promising start.
Fans Relate to the Struggle
Golf is hard. Every amateur knows the feeling of hitting a shot so bad that all you can do is laugh (or cry). But when a PGA Tour winner like Justin Rose does it? That’s instant internet gold.
- The moment showed that even elite players can hit a shot that belongs in a weekend scramble.
- Damron’s call made it even funnier, turning an awkward moment into a viral sensation.
- The reaction online was immediate, with golf fans sharing their own “world-class shanks” in solidarity.
Rose took it all in stride. He didn’t make excuses or get flustered, which is part of why he’s a fan favorite. It was just one of those days where golf reminded him—and everyone watching—who’s really in charge.
A Season of Highs and Lows
Rose’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster. In five starts, he has either been in contention or packing his bags early.
| Event | Finish |
|---|---|
| AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am | T3 |
| Arnold Palmer Invitational | T8 |
| The PLAYERS Championship | Missed Cut |
| Two Other Events | Missed Cut |
After missing the cut at THE PLAYERS, Rose needs a strong finish in Texas to build some momentum. Whether his second round will bring a turnaround or another early exit remains to be seen.
One thing’s for sure—no matter how the rest of the tournament plays out, Justin Rose’s “world-class shank” is already a winner in the eyes of golf fans.
