The ball left Gareth Bale’s club on Scotland’s east coast and headed somewhere no golfer wants to see it go: towards a restaurant terrace.
The former Real Madrid forward, who retired from professional football in 2023, was taking part in this week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship when a wayward shot at the 17th hole caused an uncomfortable moment for spectators.
Quick facts
- Gareth Bale is competing at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland.
- The former Wales and Real Madrid winger retired from football in 2023.
- His tee shot on the 17th hole travelled towards a restaurant.
- The ball struck the roof before landing on a terrace where spectators were seated.
Bale mishit his effort as he prepared to play the 17th, sending the ball directly in the direction of the building. It first bounced off the restaurant roof, then finished among people sitting outside on the terrace.
The incident came during Bale’s latest golfing appearance since stepping away from football. The former winger has remained heavily involved in the sport during retirement, swapping stadium pressure for fairways and tournament rounds.
There was no indication of any injury following the shot, but it was a reminder that even one of football’s most celebrated left feet can occasionally produce a difficult connection.
