Unlucky marshal is in firing line at the British Open

Marshal Bill Davis displays a golf ball that Rickie Fowler of the United States signed for him after being struck by the ball on the 16th hole during the first round of The 143rd Open Championship at Show more

The popular expression goes that lightning never strikes twice, but one of the marshals at the British Open would disagree with that view after having a rough experience at Royal Liverpool.

Bill Davies was standing at the 16th hole when he was struck on his leg by Rickie Fowler’s ball.

And then, less than an hour later, he was whacked on the shoulder by a ball struck by another golfer, Charl Schwartzel.

Of his unfortunate experiences, the marshal told the BBC: “I wasn’t too bad, but having two detonating things happen to you within three quarters of hour, then you start worrying.”

Davies found the humour in the situation.

He joked that his health had not been the most prominent thing on Fowler’s mind when he had come to see what had happened. “Rickie was more interested, first thing, in the ball when I was lying on the floor,” he said.

“Anyway, he was very good about it; he said ‘I’m sorry’.

“He got a good lie as well, which was a benefit to him.”

Davies had the consolation of receiving signed golf balls from both Fowler, the 25-year-old American, and Schwartzel, the 29-year-old South African who won the 2011 US Masters championship, to make up for his pain.

He said that some members of the crowd suggested that he try to add to his one-day collection.

“People came up to me and asked if I can get three,” Davies said, “and I replied, ‘you must be joking’.”

Davies caught one in the leg and shoulder but he atleast it was not in the face, unlike this fellow marshal at the British Open: