Golfer Hits Bird on Tee Shot During Cognizant Classic

Ryan Gerard's ball struck a passing bird during the first round at PGA National.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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During the first round of the Cognizant Classic golf tournament in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Jupiter resident Ryan Gerard hit his tee shot on the par-3 seventh hole and the ball struck a passing bird in mid-air. Despite the unusual incident, Gerard was able to save par on the hole.

Why it matters

Incidents where a golf ball hits a bird in flight are extremely rare, with the most famous example being when MLB pitcher Randy Johnson struck and killed a bird with a pitch during a spring training game nearly 25 years ago. This latest incident at the Cognizant Classic is likely to draw comparisons to that iconic moment in sports history.

The details

On the seventh hole at PGA National, Gerard hit his tee shot and the ball was airborne for only a short time before colliding with a bird flying overhead. Despite the unusual circumstances, Gerard was able to recover and save par on the hole.

  • The incident occurred during the first round of the Cognizant Classic on Thursday, February 26, 2026.

The players

Ryan Gerard

A professional golfer who is the highest-ranked player (No. 26) in the field at the Cognizant Classic.

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The takeaway

While highly uncommon, incidents where a golf ball strikes a bird in mid-flight can still occasionally happen, as demonstrated by this unusual occurrence at the Cognizant Classic. This event is likely to draw comparisons to the famous 1990s incident involving MLB pitcher Randy Johnson and a bird, further cementing it as a rare and memorable moment in sports history.