The Perils of the Shot Recreation: Johnson Wagner’s Most Humiliating Moments
For a professional golfer turned analyst, the goal of a “shot recreation” is to provide viewers with a clear, technical breakdown of a legendary play. However, for Johnson Wagner, these segments have occasionally devolved into viral mishaps. In recent appearances on GOLF’s Subpar podcast, Wagner candidly detailed the moments where his execution failed his expertise, turning instructional segments into exercises in humiliation.
- Quail Hollow: A cross-handed chip attempt during the PGA Championship resulted in a 60-yard skull over the green.
- Royal Portrush: A demonstration on the 16th hole nearly endangered spectators after a severely topped shot.
- The Stakes: Wagner highlights the psychological toll of failing on live television in front of family and massive galleries.
The Quail Hollow Skull: A Family Affair
In September 2025, Wagner reflected on what he considered his worst shot recreation of the year. While filming a segment for the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, Wagner attempted a cross-handed chip—a specialized technique that can be temperamental. The result was a disaster: he skulled the ball, sending it sailing 60 yards over the front of the green.
The technical failure was compounded by the audience. Wagner noted that his brother, wife and son, along with his son’s friends, were all watching the attempt live. “It was humiliating,” Wagner told hosts Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz on Subpar. “It’s brutal to do something like that on live television.”
Royal Portrush: When Analysis Goes Wrong
While the Quail Hollow incident was an embarrassing technical miss, a later experience at the Open Championship at Royal Portrush was far more dangerous. Tasked with highlighting key spots on the course, Wagner found a window of time to film on the par-3 16th hole after a group featuring Jordan Spieth and Wyndham Clark had passed through.
Despite the gap in play, the grandstands remained packed. As Wagner prepared to demonstrate the hazards of the massive hillside and the “barranca” to the right, he focused on one goal: avoiding a chunked shot. Instead, he topped the ball completely, describing the contact as catching it “square in the middle of the forehead.”
The shot sent the ball toward the exiting crowd, prompting a marshal to yell “fore” on Wagner’s behalf. The experience was harrowing for the analyst, who admitted it was the only time he felt he “almost really could have killed somebody.” Adding a touch of irony to the disaster, Wagner recalled that his son, watching off-camera, had the biggest smile on his face he had seen all night.
From Pro to Analyst: Navigating the CBS Role
These mishaps highlight the precarious balance Wagner maintains in his transition from a PGA Tour professional to a high-profile analyst. Now operating in a new role with CBS, Wagner uses his technical knowledge to bridge the gap between the players and the audience. However, as these incidents prove, the distance between a professional demonstration and a “disastrous” miss is razor-thin when the cameras are rolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a shot recreation in golf broadcasting?
A shot recreation is when an analyst or former pro attempts to hit a specific shot—often one made by a player during the tournament—to explain the trajectory, technique, or difficulty to the viewing audience.
Where did Johnson Wagner’s most dangerous miss occur?
The most dangerous incident occurred at Royal Portrush on the 16th hole during the Open Championship, where a topped shot flew toward a crowded grandstand.
Which podcast did Johnson Wagner share these stories on?
Wagner shared these experiences on GOLF’s Subpar podcast, hosted by Colt Knost and Drew Stoltz.
While Wagner’s recreations haven’t always gone to plan, his willingness to embrace the absurdity of these moments has become a hallmark of his broadcasting style, blending professional insight with a relatable, human element.