Brooks Koepka’s 2026 Zurich Classic of New Orleans campaign got off to a worrying start after an errant shot struck a spectator early in the opening round. Playing alongside Shane Lowry, Koepka was attempting to find the fairway on the par-5 second hole when his tee shot veered off course and hit a woman in the lower leg.

According to reports shared by Associated Press journalist Brett Martel, the spectator appeared to suffer a welt but avoided serious injury. Medical personnel were still called in as a precaution, with an EMS cart dispatched to attend to her.

Images from the scene showed the woman seated on the grass, surrounded by concerned onlookers, with her leg elevated on a chair. While Koepka and Lowry were not visible in the picture, it is widely assumed they checked on her before continuing play.

This incident echoes a more serious episode from 2018, when Koepka’s shot struck a fan in the eye, leaving her with a fractured socket. The five-time major champion later admitted he continued to feel remorse over that accident.

However, Koepka has also been seen supporting injured spectators in other situations. Earlier in 2026 at the Valspar Championship, he rushed to comfort a young girl after she was struck by a golf cart during the event.

Despite the unsettling moment, Koepka remains focused as he competes in the high-stakes team event alongside Lowry.