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Reigning Valspar Championship champion Charl Schwartzel had to withdraw from the Wednesday pro-am because he was struck in the wrist by a bouncing ball from his amateur partner. Schwartzel said after withdrawing that his partner’s ball hit a tree and came back to hit him in the wrist.

“I played golf for 28 years now and I’ve never been hit by a golf ball, until this morning,” said Schwartzel. “It was a bit of a fluke. Really bad luck. My whole hand went numb.

“I stopped after 10 holes, tried to play, but I couldn’t hold the club anymore. So I’ve iced it and taken painkillers and anti-inflammatories, but we’ve tested it and at least the nerve is good. So it’s just muscle and swelling. So I can’t move the wrist properly.”

The good news for Schwartzel? It could have been worse. 

“He feels very bad,” Schwartzel said of his amateur partner. “But you know, it’s not his fault. He hit it forward, it hit the tree, and came bouncing back at some speed. I’m just happy, it was going for my private parts; gave it a little stop. I think I’ve got better on my reflexes.”

Thankfully the incident did not affect Schwartzel who is looking to follow up his 2016 win with another one at Innisbrook Resort. He made birdie on his second hole on Thursday and is 1 under through eight holes.