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Footage has emerged of Zach Johnson’s caddie angrily confronting a fan who heckled his man during the Farmers Insurance Open.

In the clip, shared by the prominent Zire Golf social media account, a spectator can be heard shouting “We lost the Ryder Cup because of you” at Johnson, who led the USA into the 2023 edition of the biennial clash with Europe in Rome.

Europe ran out 16.5-11.5 winners at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, with Johnson – since replaced as captain by Keegan Bradley – receiving considerable criticism over his leadership of the team.

His six picks have come in for particular scrutiny, particularly his decision to take Sam Burns, Rickie Fowler and Justin Thomas ahead of players like Bradley, Cam Young, and LIV duo Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau.

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Whilst Johnson ignored the heckler and kept walking, his caddie Brian Smith was in no mood to let the taunt go unchallenged.

Squaring up to the individual responsible – who appeared to film the incident – Smith said: “Hey dude, why don’t you shut your mouth? You got a problem?”

The heckler added: “Yeah, with Sam Burns and Justin Thomas.”

Smith fired back: “Then go talk to them, okay? Just shut up. Don’t be a dick.”

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As Smith walks away smiling, the troublemaker can be heard giggling before the clip ends.

A social media user with the handle @malbonhater subsequently took responsibility for the jeering, saying: “Zach Johnson’s caddy called me a dick for dropping the truth that we lost the Ryder Cup since he picked Sam Burns and Justin Thomas over Bryson and DJ.”

This is just the latest unsavoury incident Johnson has had to endure since his ill-fated attempt to conquer Europe in Rome.

In February last year, he was filmed in a tense altercation with fans during the WM Phoenix Open before he was forced to deny telling patrons to “f**k off” during The Masters two months later.


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Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

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