Napa - World number three Rory McIlroy narrowly escaped a possible injury during the third round at the Frys.com Open in California on Saturday.
The Northern Irishman had just played a chip shot from next to the green at the driveable par-four 17th when he was nearly struck by the tee shot of big-hitting Emiliano Grillo, of Argentina.
Grillo's drive landed only a couple of feet from a surprised McIlroy, who clearly received no warning that he was in danger of being hit.
McIlroy's playing competitor Kyle Reifers, who was standing next to McIlroy, raised his hands angrily after he was also almost struck.
"I just can't imagine what Grillo was thinking back there on the tee," said Golf Channel commentator Peter Jacobsen, a former tour winner.
McIlroy composed himself and responded by draining a 10-footer to save par.
"It hit between the two of us, probably a foot from both of us,"
Grillo told the broadcasters that no officials had been on the tee at the 296-yard hole, which requires a blind
Four-times major champion McIlroy returned to action just two months ago after missing the British Open with a ruptured left ankle ligament he suffered playing soccer.
McIlroy shot 71 and was out of contention on six-under 210 at the Silverado Resort in Napa in the opening event of the 2015-16 PGA Tour season.