Padraig Harrington and NBC’s Roger Maltbie likely won’t be exchanging Christmas cards this year.
In a viral video posted on X by Colorado Springs reporter Brett Forrest, the 53-year-old Harrington took umbrage with the 73-year-old former tour player Maltbie for not helping look for a golf ball during the second round of the U.S. Senior Open at the Broadmoor’s East Course. The video has already been viewed more than two million times.
In the unwritten rules of golf etiquette, it’s considered good form for players to help search for another competitor’s lost ball.
Harrington, a three-time major winner and World Golf Hall of Famer, took Maltbie to task after the second round outside of scoring for not participating in the search.
“Never on a golf course stand and look at somebody looking for a golf ball,” said Harrington, pointing out to Maltbie that “you’ve played golf all your life.”
Maltbie, who won five PGA Tour titles between 1976 and 1986, stood his ground and voiced his opinion that he’s “not a player” and was “trying to do my job.”
It’s a gray area because a reporter never wants to become part of the story, so it’s understandable that Maltbie would stand back and watch and report; however, it’s not uncommon to see those inside the ropes participate in a ball search.
Harrington’s longtime caddie Ronan Flood can be seen stepping between the two and playing peacemaker.
It’s unclear from the video whose ball was being looked for. Harrington did lose a ball in the first round. He shot 67 on Friday and shared the 36-hole lead with Stewart Cink.
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