Pro Defies Caddie's Advice, Hits Incredible Escape Shot Through Trees at Kenya Open
A dramatic player-caddie exchange unfolded during the first round of the Magical Kenya Open when Haotong Li faced a challenging shot under tree branches on the 12th hole at Muthaiga Golf Club.
Li's ball had settled beneath a short tree with more trees ahead, a bunker guarding the green's left side, and the pin positioned on the back-left. While open fairway beckoned to the right, Li was determined to attempt a risky shot directly over the obstacles.
His caddie strongly advocated for the conservative play - going right, pitching onto the green, and avoiding a potential big number. But Li remained insistent on the aggressive line, creating a tense but amusing debate between the two.
After carefully studying his line and briefly pausing for wind, Li executed a remarkable wedge shot that threaded through the trees, landing about 30 feet from the pin. Laughing at his successful gamble, Li playfully told his caddie: "Luckily I didn't listen to you, eh?"
Announcer Tony Johnstone commented: "To the caddie, let that be a lesson to you: Trust your boss. Got that up so fast... And with momentum. Classy."
Li would go on to two-putt the hole and finish with a one-over 71, leaving him nine strokes behind leaders John Parry and Benjamin Hebert entering the second round.
The moment perfectly captured the constant risk-reward decisions and occasional friendly disagreements between players and caddies that make golf such a compelling sport.