Country music star Jake Owen is a veteran performer, but when it came to his golf game during the Web.com Tour stop in Nashville on Thursday, he lost his cool.
Owen, making his Web.com debut on a sponsor’s exemption, fired a 14-over par 86, which was good enough for dead last in the opening round of the Nashville Open at the Nashville Golf & Athletic Club.
Owen, who plays off a one-handicap, was 10-over through nine holes when a fan tweeted at him about his round.
Don’t stop reporting now. He’s now +10 through 9. Good use of a sponsor exemption instead of someone trying to make a career for themselves
— Doug Walker (@DougWalker21) May 24, 2018
Owen, who has teamed up with the likes of Jordan Spieth at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am, wasn’t about to let that slight go. In fact, he couldn’t wait until the end of his round.
No prob Doug. I’m +11 now and tweeting during my round. I’m playing as hard as I can. I have 8 holes left if you want to come out and kiss my ass. https://t.co/UMeFWFKLVP
— Jake Owen (@jakeowen) May 24, 2018
The conversation and reaction on social media dominated the day with Owen coaxing the internet heckler into committing money to the Brandt Snedeker Foundation for every birdie on Friday.
Nashville native and host Snedeker got into the act pledging $5,000 for every birdie. From there, pledges started to come in from across the internet. The foundation supports cancer research.
Daaaaaaaaaaamn Sneds. I’m bringing it tomorrow. Get that check book out! Anyone in Nashville? Come out and help me raise some money!! I play at 2pm tomorrow https://t.co/tDSichJLC5
— Jake Owen (@jakeowen) May 25, 2018
Sponsors exemptions are meant for those who can create excitement, attention and awareness for the event. It’s no gimmick. It’s good biz. Jake, keep up the great work and I’m in for $100/birdie!
— Peter Jacobsen (@JakeTrout) May 25, 2018
Fellow country musician Chris Young also said he is going to match Snedeker’s birdie pledge. The money is rolling in for Owen on Friday as more than $10,000 per birdie is headed the foundation’s way.
Even the cranky tweeter was impressed by what has happened.
Amazing. Completely amazing @jakeowen https://t.co/164yEVWn0V
— Doug Walker (@DougWalker21) May 25, 2018
Owen struggled, understandably, in a pro tournament, much like Tony Romo did recently. He did have some highlights, however, including a chip in at No. 7.
“That’s what keeps you going in golf.”@JakeOwen’s first #WebTour hole-out came on the par-5 seventh Thursday @NashGolfOpen. ⛳?? pic.twitter.com/D7ooF41w1a
— Web.com Tour (@WebDotComTour) May 24, 2018
The chances of Owen making the cut are slim, but there will now be plenty to play for on Friday for Owen.
