A Pro Golfer Was Stung 20 Times by Hornets, Jumped in a Lake, and Then Did Something Amazing
Pablo Larrazábal was halfway through his round at the Malaysian Open when an ordinary day on the course turned unpredictable. While walking toward the fairway, he came under attack by hornets, jumped into a lake to escape, received medical attention, and still made birdie—all in the same hole.
The facts around the incident are unusual, but every part of it actually happened, and it’s all on record.
The Hornet Attack Happened Suddenly During His Round
During the second round of the 2014 Maybank Malaysian Open, Larrazábal was on the 14th hole of his day—officially the par-5 fifth hole on the card—when the hornet attack began. He felt the first sting on his face and quickly realized he was surrounded.
According to multiple reports and Larrazábal’s own comments afterward, the insects weren’t bees, but large hornets, each three times the size of a bee. He estimated that around 30 to 40 of them surrounded him and started stinging aggressively without any provocation.
Tournament officials later confirmed that he hadn’t disturbed a hive or been near a nest. They described them as “traveling hornets” that appeared without warning. The scene escalated quickly, and the athlete ran across the fairway trying to escape.
He attempted to swat them away using his golf towel and hat, but the insects stayed on him. At the advice of his playing partners and caddie, he made a split-second decision to head for the nearest body of water.
He Escaped the Swarm by Diving into a Lake
Larrazábal dropped his scorecard, removed his shoes, and dove into a lake fully clothed. Course marshals and officials watched as he stayed underwater to break contact with the hornets, and it worked. Tournament medics arrived quickly after he got out of the lake. He had visible welts across his back, arms, and legs, and confirmed afterward that he had been stung about 20 times.
The medical team administered two injections on-site and told him to remain calm. He threw away his shirt, hat, and towel, which had all been used to try to fight the swarm. His trousers stayed soaked as he prepared to continue. The golfer later said this was the most frightening moment of his professional career. Despite the incident, he made it clear to the officials that he intended to keep playing.
Returning to Play to Make a Birdie Immediately After
Image via iStockphoto/Apiwan Borrikonratchata
With no further delay, he played his approach shot on the par-5 and landed it close to the hole—between 8 and 15 feet, as per reports. Larrazábal lined up his birdie putt and made it. This part of the incident drew the most attention. Video footage circulated online showing the surreal scene: a professional golfer soaked from head to toe and rolling in a birdie putt just minutes after being stung by insects. Commentators covering the event remarked that there was “nothing wrong with his golf,” despite what had just happened.