Watch: Patton Kizzire kicks putter miles into air before retiring with bad back
Patton Kizzire kicked his putter so far into the air in a fury on the PGA Tour on Thursday that not only must he have interested the punting team coaches of the NFL, but he also put his back out and was forced to withdraw from the Valspar Championship.
It was quite the display from the 39-year-old who less than a year ago claimed his anger management issues had been fixed by a mental guru who had taught him how to hug trees and walk around in bare foot.
Kizzire is a fine pro who has won three times on the US circuit – shedding his maiden tag by beating Rickie Fowler in the 2017 World Technology Championship – but he has become infamous for his temperament.
Four years ago, he snapped a driver over his knee and then performed the same enraged act on his putter the week afterwards, to lend a new meaning to the phrase “going through the bag”. The fines racked up and so they will again, after this performance which was more of an up-and-under than an up-and-down.
A putter punt from Patton Kizzire 🏈🏌️♂️
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) March 20, 2025
He went on to WD from the Valspar due to a back injury 😲 pic.twitter.com/WaO7qTiQb5
It was John Daly who said, “if you are going to have a tantrum on course then go really, really big” and his fellow American followed the advice to a tee.
Kizzire, down at world No 128 after six straight missed cuts, was one-over on his sixth hole (having started on the 10th) when he missed a five-footer for par.
No doubt still incensed after missing a three-footer for birdie a few holes earlier, Kizzire snapped, suddenly turning from Ben Hogan into Barry John. He released his putter and kicked it on the fly and it must have travelled 20 yards, landing in an impressive crumble, with a bent shaft and a sorry-looking clubface.
There was no chance of him continuing with the putter – it is against the rules of golf to alter a club mid-round – and Kizzire was forced to hole out with his wedge. Alas, it all unravelled further. He missed another short putt on the next hole and with a spine as battered as his ego decided to withdraw.
It was a sad situation in some respects. But the Tour, itself, got over it by deleting all the clips from unauthorised accounts and then posted it the video its “Skratch” social media website. Viral gold.
-
WATCH: Patton Kizzire punt kicks his putter before withdrawing from Valspar Championship with injury
Kizzire severely dented his putter after launching it a good distance off his footCBS Sports - 19h -
Patton Kizzire punts putter across green, withdraws from Valspar Championship
Kizzire dropkicked his putter across the green during the first round of the Valspar Championship.Yahoo Sports - 20h -
PGA Tour pro punts putter across green, proceeds to WD at 2025 Valspar Championship
Playing golf can have plenty of frustrating moments, and Patton Kizzire went through all of the emotions Thursday morning.Yahoo Sports - 19h -
Spurs' De'Aaron Fox makes explosive comments ahead of his Sacramento return: Kings 'didn't have my back'
Fox said he told team he wouldn't play for another coach in Sacramento after Mike Brown was firedCBS Sports - Mar. 8 -
Thomas to 'make do' with watching 2027 Tour de France
Former champion Geraint Thomas admits he considered delaying his planned retirement so he could compete in the 2027 Tour de France - which begins in Britain and runs through his native Wales.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Thibaut Courtois returns from Belgium exile and clears air with teammates
Goalkeeper back with national side after change of coach Courtois says squad ‘were able to talk everything out’ The Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said he had thrashed out the circumstances ...The Guardian - 2d -
After ‘kick’ controversy, Nick Ball is ready to meet the best fighter in the world
The Liverpudlian emerged from a scrappy, ugly fight with TJ Doheny, in which he escaped punishment after kicking out at his opponent, to stand in line to face Japan’s legendary four-weight world ...Yahoo Sports - 5d -
2025 NFL free agency: Before potentially pursuing Aaron Rodgers, Vikings need to know if he would step aside for J.J. McCarthy
Minnesota must also gets answers on: How long does Rodgers intend to play? What impact would the signing have on McCarthy? Is Rodgers willing to end his career mentoring his successor?Yahoo Sports - 6d -
Trump makes new Mexico, Canada tariffs threat as UAW leader backs his policy
Shawn Fain, the president of the United Auto Workers union, is backing President Trump's tariffs strategy. This comes as President Trump says tariffs against Canada and Mexico could rise in the ...CBS News - Mar. 10
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Fact or Fiction: The NBA season is too long
Injuries, load management and tanking, anyone?Yahoo Sports - 6m -
Jamie Laing enters final 10 miles of Comic Relief Ultra Marathon Man challenge - live updates
Can Jamie Laing run five Ultra Marathons in five days, between London and Salford?Yahoo Sports - 1h -
Inside the Ja'Marr Chase deal
True "new money" APY is $38.72M per year, not $40.25M.Yahoo Sports - 11m -
Arne Slot discussions with Trent Alexander-Arnold over future come to an end
Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has somehow managed to reach late March without giving a clear statement on his future, as his contract expires. It appears there will be few more questions ...Yahoo Sports - 12m -
The lowest NCAA tournament seeds to reach the women's Sweet 16, Elite Eight and Final Four
A glimpse at how far each seed has gone in NCAA women's tournament history.Yahoo Sports - 14m
More in Sports
-
Fact or Fiction: The NBA season is too long
Injuries, load management and tanking, anyone?Yahoo Sports - 6m -
March Madness live tracker: Highlights, updates, reactions and more
Follow along as we track 16 more games in the round of 64 of the men's NCAA tournament.ESPN - 8m -
Your guide to March Madness Day 1: Recaps, every winner's chance to advance, more
Whether you missed the action or simply want to relive it, here's a rundown of all 16 games from Thursday.ESPN - 8m -
Inside the Ja'Marr Chase deal
True "new money" APY is $38.72M per year, not $40.25M.Yahoo Sports - 11m -
Arne Slot discussions with Trent Alexander-Arnold over future come to an end
Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has somehow managed to reach late March without giving a clear statement on his future, as his contract expires. It appears there will be few more questions ...Yahoo Sports - 12m