PGA Tour star injures female fan with wayward shot but then makes up for it

Billy Horschel accidentally hit a female spectator in the leg at the RBC Heritage after a wayward tee shot, but the American golfer made up for it by signing her injured shin.

Following Rory McIlroy's stunning victory at the Masters, the PGA Tour is back with its fifth Signature Event of the season. The RBC Heritage is being held at Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, South Carolina, featuring many of the world's top golfers.

After the first round on Thursday, Justin Thomas is leading by three shots following his incredible 10-under par round, giving the 31-year-old some optimism that he could end his winning dry spell and position himself for Ryder Cup qualification. However, Horschel also grabbed the headlines, as he quickly earned praise from fans by making amends to the spectator he hit on the par-four 10th.

Having missed the cut at the Masters after shooting five-over through 36 holes, Horschel started the 10th at one-under. His drive veered to the right of the fairway and unintentionally hit a female fan's leg, causing his ball to bounce off her leg and roll towards the fairway, although it remained in the rough.

The 38-year-old was initially unaware that his wayward tee shot had hit a spectator, but he was promptly informed about the incident. The evidence was unmistakable as the woman had a large lump on her shin.

In a bid to make amends for accidentally injuring a fan, Horschel took out a pen, circled the bruise, and signed his name around it. The captured the moment, showing the fan appreciating Horschel's gesture as they shared a hug after he autographed her shin.

The surrounding spectators applauded Horschel for his gestyre after the incident. The Golf Channel's commentary team also commended the fan for her excellent reaction before Horschel played his second shot towards the green.

Horschel went on to record a par at the 10th. On the back nine, he posted bogeys on the par-four 12th and par-three 17th, but birdied the par-four 16th.

Horschel ended his round even, tied in 52nd with nine others. Two-time major champion Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley are neck and neck in second place, while Wyndham Clark is in fourth ahead of a five-way tie for fifth position.