Golf Cart Strikes Girl at Valspar Championship; Brooks Koepka Offers Comfort

A concerning incident occurred during the third round of the 2026 Valspar Championship at Innisbrook Golf and Spa Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida, on Saturday, March 21st. A young girl was struck by a golf cart and briefly pinned underneath the vehicle, halting play on the 15th hole Golf Channel.

Incident Details

Smylie Kaufman, an on-course reporter and PGA Tour winner, witnessed the event even as following the pairing of Brooks Koepka and Danny Walker. The golf cart, reportedly transporting fans around the course Golf Channel, struck the girl. Koepka immediately went under the ropes to check on the girl and offer comfort Golf Digest.

Medical Evaluation and Player Reaction

Medical staff quickly attended to the girl, and Kaufman reported that she was evaluated and thankfully did not sustain any injuries Golf Channel. Koepka expressed his concern and relief, stating, “She’s OK, thankfully, so that’s all that matters,” and acknowledged the frightening nature of the incident Golf Channel. He added, “I know she’s probably a little scared, and I just felt for her at the time.”

Impact on Play

Play was temporarily halted on the 15th hole while the situation was addressed. Koepka was able to par the hole but subsequently double bogeyed on the 16th. He finished the round with an even-par 71, placing him in a tie for 11th place, four strokes behind the leader, Sungjae Im Golf Channel.

Further Reports

According to reports from NBC and Golf Channel, Koepka remained with the girl’s family for a short period after the incident AOL. The incident is described as “very scary” by those who witnessed it AOL.