Worth a shout
As an avid player and watcher of our game, I shudder at the seeming reluctance of the pro golfer to warn spectators of wayward golf balls. They seem to think that an outstretched arm is enough to indicate a ball is heading towards the crowd. If you have ever been struck by the little white projectile you will know how much it hurts – and that is at amateur ball speeds.
It would seem that the crowd are seen by the new breed of professionals as collateral damage, and with so much money at stake, they are prepared to have a ball stopped from going out of bounds at any cost.
Recently, during an American tournament, I watched a ball sail into an unsuspecting throng and miss the head of a toddler by less than 12 inches. Knowing the ball is heading your way does not guarantee you will not be struck, but at least it gives you a chance.