Kevin O'Connell hit hole-in-one at U.S. Open practice round, became 'violently sick' moments later
Kevin O’Connell played the seventh hole at Pebble Beach perfectly on Tuesday afternoon.
O’Connell, who won the U.S. Mid-Amateur in October to earn a spot in the U.S. Open this week, aced the iconic par-3 in his practice round. It’s a moment he isn’t likely to soon forget.
Yet just minutes later, O’Connell’s practice round came to an immediate end.
The 30-year-old suddenly moved away from his group while walking to the No. 8 tee and grabbed his waist before falling “violently” ill along the scenic coastline, according to the Golf Channel. His caddie, David Gies II, sent the rest of his group on while O’Connell vomited multiple times and waited for medical attention.
After about 30 minutes, O’Connell hopped into an emergency vehicle on his own power and left the course.
“A competitor did ask for medical assistance on the course,” the USGA told the Golf Channel. “He was treated at the location by staff that quickly responded. Once his condition improved he took a cart back to his room. He did not request medical transport.”
Gies II said that O’Connell had been battling stomach pains on Tuesday morning, according to Golf Digest. He was set to join Francesco Molinari, Tommy Fleetwood and Adri Arnaus for another practice round early Wednesday morning, though did not participate.
O’Connell did not respond to either Golf Digest or the Golf Channel, however the USGA did tell Golf Digest that, “O’Connell remains committed to playing the tournament.”
The former North Carolina standout first turned pro in 2008, though failed to qualify for his PGA Tour card multiple times before reclaiming his amateur status. He played at the Masters earlier this year as an amateur, though narrowly missed the cut.
O’Connell is scheduled to tee off at the U.S. Open on Thursday morning with Billy Hurley III and Brian Davis at 7:18 a.m. local time off the No. 10 tee.
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