Spectator Corine Remande, 49, was left blind in one eye after being hit by a wayward golf ball hit by American golfer, Brooks Koepka, at the 2018 Ryder Cup at Le Golf National, near Paris, France.
The French woman, who suffered a fractured eye socket and damaged eyeball, is taking legal action against the organizers of the tournament. She states that they did not provide adequate warning that the ball was headed in her direction.
Safety statement
However, the organizers claim “fore”—an announcement used to warn bystanders in the way of a flying golf ball—was “shouted several times”.
Corine Remande, who had attended the Ryder Cup with her husband, has rebuked the statement.
“They did not [shout fore]. To make a show, the organizers moved the tees forward on the sixth hole to allow the big hitters to reach the green in one shot.
“Without warning the spectators, the public cannot see the players and anticipate and protect themselves. That’s why I’m angry,” she continued.
“Deeply hurt”
The 28-year-old Koepka issued a statement on Twitter following the accident. “I was deeply hurt and saddened by the tragic accident that occurred when a shot I hit off the sixth tee struck Ms. Remande,” he said.
“I spoke to her at the time on the golf course and after now learning her condition is worse than first thought, I have made contact with her/family to offer my sincere and heartfelt sympathy.
“I am heartbroken by the incident. My thoughts remain with Ms. Remande and I have asked to be kept informed of her condition.”
An occasional hazard
Golf ball strikes are a known occasional hazard in golf, but serious injuries as a result are rare. The terms and conditions written on the back of the Open tickets issued for the tournament state that spectators “assume all risk” of being hit by a golf ball.
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