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The Unbelievable True Story: 5 Shocking Facts About The Jon Rahm Tee Shot That Hospitalized Sage Steele

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The collision between one of golf's biggest stars and a prominent sports broadcaster is a story that sounds like fiction, yet it is a dramatic reality that changed a career and a life. As of late December 2025, the incident involving Spanish golf sensation Jon Rahm and veteran ESPN anchor Sage Steele remains one of the most shocking moments in recent sports broadcasting history, an event that transcended the PGA Championship and became a viral spectacle of danger on the golf course. It was a moment of pure, devastating chance that left one of the most recognizable faces in sports media "covered in blood" and fighting for her health.

The core of the story revolves around a single, errant drive from Rahm, a world-class athlete, that veered sharply into the gallery, striking Steele with such force that the golf ball was reportedly propelled back into the fairway. This was not a minor mishap; it was a near-catastrophic event that required immediate hospitalization and led to a profound public discussion about the safety of media personnel at major golf tournaments. The aftermath, including their emotional on-air meeting and Steele's controversial personal reflections, is as compelling as the initial incident.

The Central Figures: A Biography Snapshot

The dramatic event at the 2022 PGA Championship brought two major sports figures into an unexpected and painful orbit. To understand the full impact, one must first appreciate the stature and career paths of both the golfer and the journalist.

Sage Steele: Broadcast Journalist and Anchor

  • Full Name: Sage Marie Steele
  • Born: November 28, 1972 (Panama Canal Zone)
  • Education: Indiana University (B.S. in Sports Communication, 1995)
  • Career Highlights: Longtime anchor and host at ESPN, notably co-hosting the 12 noon (ET) edition of SportsCenter. She also hosted NBA Countdown and was a fixture on major golf and tennis coverage.
  • Recent Career Update: Steele settled a lawsuit against ESPN and its parent company, Disney, in August 2023 for an undisclosed sum and subsequently left the network to pursue other ventures.
  • Key Entities: ESPN, Disney, SportsCenter, NBA Countdown, Indiana University, PGA Championship.

Jon Rahm: Professional Golfer

  • Full Name: Jon Rahm Rodríguez
  • Born: November 10, 1994 (Barrika, Spain)
  • College: Arizona State University
  • Major Championships: 2021 U.S. Open, 2023 Masters Tournament.
  • Career Highlights: Former World Number One in the Official World Golf Ranking. Known for his powerful driving and competitive spirit.
  • Recent Career Update: In a massive move that shook the professional golf world, Rahm joined the controversial LIV Golf League in late 2023, becoming one of the most high-profile players to leave the PGA Tour.
  • Key Entities: LIV Golf League, PGA Tour, Masters Tournament, U.S. Open, Arizona State, Barrika (Spain), Official World Golf Ranking.

5 Shocking Details of the Errant Tee Shot Incident

The moment Jon Rahm’s ball struck Sage Steele on the 3rd hole at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was captured by witnesses and quickly became a media sensation. The raw details reveal the true danger involved in the sport.

1. The Severity of the Injury: A “Code Red” Scenario

The impact was far more severe than a typical golf course mishap. Witnesses reported that Steele was immediately "covered in blood" and had to be rushed to the hospital. The sheer force of the golf ball, traveling at an estimated 160+ mph, resulted in significant facial trauma. Steele later revealed the horrifying extent of the damage, stating that the shot had "only cost me 8 teeth," which included damage, loss, and dental work to eight teeth in total. The incident was a critical, life-threatening injury that highlighted the lack of adequate protection for media personnel working close to the ropes.

2. Rahm’s Immediate Reaction and Profuse Apology

Jon Rahm, a Spanish professional golfer with a reputation for intense focus, immediately knew the shot was dangerously off-line and yelled "Fore!" However, the ball’s trajectory was too fast and too far right for Steele to react. While Rahm was not immediately aware of the severity or the identity of the person hit, he later reached out. The two finally met virtually on SportsCenter, where Rahm apologized profusely, telling Steele, "You are tough as nails," and expressing his relief that she was recovering. This emotional, on-air meeting provided a moment of closure and human connection between the two figures.

3. The Controversial “Devil” Comment and Lawsuit Context

Adding a layer of intense curiosity to the event, Sage Steele later made controversial comments about the incident. She publicly stated her belief that the errant tee shot was an attempt by the "devil" to silence her. This statement came at a time when Steele was already embroiled in a high-profile legal battle with her employer, ESPN/Disney, over free speech issues regarding her personal comments made on a podcast. She suggested the timing of the injury—just one month after filing her lawsuit—was not a coincidence, linking the physical trauma to the professional and spiritual challenges she was facing. This perspective sparked significant debate in both sports and religious media circles.

The Long-Term Impact on Sage Steele's Career and Health

The golf ball incident was a pivotal moment for Sage Steele, not just physically, but professionally. The recovery process was extensive, involving numerous dental and reconstructive procedures to repair the damage to her mouth and face. She returned to work less than three weeks after the accident, telling viewers she was "lucky to still be here," underscoring the life-altering nature of the injury.

The trauma of the event, coupled with her ongoing legal dispute, ultimately contributed to a major career transition. In August 2023, following the settlement of her lawsuit, Steele announced her departure from ESPN after 16 years. She has since shifted her focus to independent media and public speaking, where she frequently discusses her experiences with the golf ball incident, her legal battles, and her views on current cultural issues. The errant shot from Rahm, therefore, serves as a stark physical marker in the timeline of her dramatic exit from the sports media giant.

The Unspoken Safety Entity: Player Responsibility and Course Design

While the focus is often on the individuals, the incident also forced a deeper look into safety protocols at major golf tournaments. The speed and power of modern golf professionals like Jon Rahm mean that an errant shot, even one yelled as "Fore!", can be a deadly projectile. The fact that the ball ricocheted off Steele and back onto the course demonstrates the sheer energy transferred. This entity of safety is critical, prompting discussions among the PGA, media organizations, and golf course designers about better protecting the public and media who are often positioned in vulnerable areas close to the action.

The "Sage Steele-Jon Rahm incident" is now a permanent cautionary tale in golf history, a reminder of the thin line between an exciting sports moment and a severe accident. It is a story of a professional mishap, a personal trauma, and a public apology that continues to resonate with fans and media professionals alike, forever linking the names of the powerful golfer and the resilient broadcaster.

sage steele jon rahm
sage steele jon rahm

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