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Billy Horschel Nearly Sinks Hole-in-One After Skipping Ball Through Water at Masters

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joshua Rosenblum | Last updated Apr 9, 2025 2:41 PM ET

During a practice round at the 2025 Masters Tournament, Florida Gator alumnus Billy Horschel delivered a moment of pure golfing brilliance that showcased his skill and creativity on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

The PGA TOUR’s official X post captured the scene perfectly: a golf ball resting on the green, perilously close to a lake, with the flagstick casting a shadow nearby.

Horschel, a proud "Gator boy" from his University of Florida days, demonstrated why he remains a formidable force with a shot that was as daring as it was precise.

Faced with a challenging position near the water hazard, Horschel chose an unconventional strategy. Rather than playing it safe, he executed a stunning skip shot, deliberately bouncing the ball across the lake’s surface to reach the green.

The ball skimmed the water with remarkable accuracy, landing softly just a few feet from the pin. This masterful display of control and confidence under pressure highlighted Horschel’s ability to think outside the box, turning a potential hazard into an opportunity for brilliance.

Horschel, now 38, has a storied career with seven PGA TOUR victories, including the 2014 FedEx Cup. His history of performing in high-stakes tournaments, like his Tour Championship win at East Lake, has earned him a reputation for clutch play.

This lake-skipping shot at the Masters further cements his legacy, adding a memorable chapter to his career. As the tournament progresses, Horschel’s ingenuity and skill will likely be a talking point, marking one of the most iconic shots of this year’s Masters.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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