Early contender for worst PGA Tour tee shot of 2025 goes to Aldrich Potgieter?!

PGA Tour golfer Aldrich Potgieter had an unfortunate mishap during the opening round of the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational at famed Bay Hill. 

The good news for the young South African - who lost in a playoff two weeks ago to the Tour's shortest hitter in Mexico - is that he certainly isn't the first to find the water at the iconic par-5 6th hole. 

The bad news, though, is that me may be the very first to flat out top his driver into the water.

Shot tracking suggests that Potgieter's drive flew 216 yards - which may be a bit generous. 

The reality was much different. 

Potgieter arrived on the hole - the same one where Bryson DeChambeau launched a near-green drive in 2021 en route to victory - having a tough day. 

He was already 3-over par for his round and therefore was likely a tad frustrated and wanted to simply send one and try and make eagle. 

But after an almighty swipe his tee shot skimmed the water before sinking to its fate. 

It was a rare sight to see from the Tour's biggest hitter who has so far this season averaged 326.9 yards off the tee. 

For context, that's longer than Rory McIlroy. 

Watch the moment here:

The 20-year-old managed to keep his second shot in play and ultimately walked off the green with a double bogey on his card. 

Things did not get much better. 

Potgieter made four more bogeys and two more birdies to post an opening 7-over 79. 

He wasn't the first to hit an awful tee shot on day one of the signature event. 

Cameron Young saw his first shot at Arnie's place sail out of bounds. 

Golf fans then made a number of TGL jokes as Young was, for some reason, still wearing one of his AirPods when he teed off. 

Read more about that here.