Tailor Gooch came agonisingly close to an ace at LIV Golf Riyadh, but the ball refused to drop. Watch the near-miss moment.
Tailor Gooch experienced a heart-stopping moment during LIV Golf Riyadh when his tee shot appeared destined for the cup—only for the ball to narrowly miss dropping for a hole-in-one.
The dramatic near-miss was captured during competition at the Saudi Arabia-based tournament, where Gooch competed as part of Smash GC. Despite the setup looking promising, the ball ultimately failed to find the bottom of the cup, denying the American golfer one of golf’s rarest and most celebrated shots.
A Moment That Could Have Been
Hole-in-ones represent some of the most memorable moments in professional golf, combining skill, precision, and an element of fortune. Gooch’s attempt showcased all the ingredients for success, but sometimes the difference between an ace and a near-miss comes down to millimeters.
The moment was documented by LIV Golf‘s official social media channels, capturing the reaction of a golfer who could scarcely believe the ball didn’t drop. Such instances remind players and fans alike why golf remains a game where even the smallest variables can determine the outcome.
While Gooch didn’t secure the ace, the shot demonstrated the quality of play on display at LIV Golf events, where the world’s top competitors continue to showcase their skills on championship courses.
Hole-in-one denied 🙅
️@TalorGooch couldn’t believe that didn’t drop 😬#LIVGolfRiyadh | @smashgc pic.twitter.com/9lFyXiBWiU— LIV Golf (@livgolf_league) February 5, 2026
This article was created with the help of AI and editorially reviewed. Report an issue