Airline slammed for destroying tour pro’s clubs

An LPGA Tour pro has suffered a golfer’s worst nightmare on route to this week’s event.

And it couldn’t have happened at a worse time for Jennifer Chang, who is on the brink of losing her playing rights.

During transit to The Annika, in Florida, Chang’s bag was ripped open while her clubs were smashed.

On Monday, Callaway’s Tour Content Creator Johnny Wunder shared a video and slammed Delta Airlines for its mishandling of the equipment.

“Delta airlines ran over some clubs. That’s what they call a Delta grind,” he said, holding up a 9-iron with a huge dent on the head.

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“A little toe face relief, way to go Delta, nice work, looks great, looks amazing.”

Unsurprisingly, the 27-year-old was forced to replace the clubs ahead of Thursday’s first round, which included her Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke driver.

It’s the LPGA Tour’s final regular season event and Chang, the world No. 407, is currently ranked No. 109 on the Race to CME Globe.

The top 100 in the season-long standings will retain their LPGA Tour card for 2025, while the top 60 will advance to the $11 million season finale.

✈️🏌️‍♂️💀 #WATCH – LPGA golfer @jenniferchang99 had her bag and numerous clubs destroyed by @Delta.

"That's what they call a Delta grind" ⚙️

(Via: @JWunderGolf) pic.twitter.com/uuCrXySLY6

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) November 11, 2024

Fans rushed to hit out at the airline on social media. “Geeeez I would lose my mind,” one user wrote on X.

Another posted: “That’s insane, I hope we get an update on what Delta will do to compensate her for this!”

Meanwhile, it’s not the first time Delta – and other airlines – have been condemned for damaging golf equipment.

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In May, Delta issued an apology to the East Tennessee State men’s golf team after a video showed ground staff throwing their bags to the ground in San Diego.

“Nice of @Delta to handle our clubs with such care,” the caption read. A team spokesperson later told the Daily Mail that a couple of bags, and some other items, had been damaged.

“We apologise to the ETSU Golf team and ask for a mulligan on how their equipment was handled,” a Delta statement said.

“We’re in direct contact with the Bucs to ensure they have what they need to successfully compete in the NCAAs.”

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.