PGA Golfer Hits Shirtless Shot from Water at Cognizant Classic

Isaiah Salinda resorts to removing his shirt to play ball from water hazard on 17th hole.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

During the second round of the Cognizant Classic PGA Tour event, golfer Isaiah Salinda found his ball in the water on the 17th hole. In order to play the shot, Salinda had to fully remove his shirt to avoid getting his clothes wet, hitting the ball onto the green while shirtless.

Why it matters

While the PGA Tour has strict dress code requirements, players are allowed to remove clothing if necessary to play a shot from the water. Salinda's unorthodox approach highlights the lengths golfers will go to in order to salvage a difficult situation on the course.

The details

Salinda's ball was just off the 17th green and sitting in the water. Rather than take a penalty, he rolled up his pants and fully removed his shirt in order to hit the shot. He was able to successfully hit the ball onto the green, leaving himself a putt for par.

  • On Friday, during the second round of the Cognizant Classic.

The players

Isaiah Salinda

A PGA Tour golfer who resorted to removing his shirt to play a shot from the water on the 17th hole of the Cognizant Classic.

Austin Smotherman

The leader of the Cognizant Classic at the time, sitting at -9 overall.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“whatever it takes 🤷‍♂️”

— PGA TOUR (Twitter)

The takeaway

Salinda's shirtless shot from the water highlights the creativity and determination of PGA Tour golfers to overcome challenging situations on the course, even if it means temporarily breaking from the sport's traditional dress code.