A Bat Invades NBC Booth at The Open Championship, Leaving Commentators in Chaos

The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush, Northern Ireland, delivered an unexpected spectacle on its second day, as a rogue bat invaded the NBC broadcast booth, sending commentators Dan Hicks and Kevin Kisner into a frenzy. The hilarious incident, captured live on air, added a memorable moment to an already dramatic tournament, with fans buzzing on social media about the chaotic scene. Amidst the golfing action, where Scottie Scheffler surged to a one-shot lead over Matt Fitzpatrick, this bizarre interruption stole the spotlight, showcasing the unpredictable nature of live sports coverage.

The incident unfolded as Hicks and Kisner were commentating for NBC during a rain-soaked Friday at Royal Portrush. As the sun dipped and the weather turned challenging, the booth was suddenly disrupted by an uninvited guest—a bat that “crashed its way into their booth before causing havoc,” according to The US Sun. The bat’s erratic flight left the seasoned broadcasters scrambling to maintain professionalism. Hicks attempted to fend off the creature, flailing his arms and occasionally ducking when it came too close, while Kisner, a self-proclaimed “proud hunter,” took a more defensive approach. “I saw the feet up looking to land, I was ducking out,” Kisner admitted, reflecting on his instinctive reaction to the bat’s presence.

Kisner, a former Open competitor with a career-best tied-second finish in 2018, sank deep into his chair and eventually hid under his suit jacket, a move that sparked laughter from his colleague Mike Tirico, who was observing from a nearby booth. Tirico couldn’t resist poking fun at the scene, noting, “Speaking of scattering, this is going on in our booth a moment ago. Apparently, a bat of some sort is flying around. Kevin Kisner. This is a man who is a proud hunter. He’s under his jacket. He is spooked by this bat. Dan Hicks trying to keep it away from him. You never know what you’re going to get in a major championship. You’re on the air for eight, nine hours. Apparently, [Brad Faxon] and [Terry Gannon] on the other side were just fine and calm. However, Kis has taken cover under his sport coat. The nicest sport coat. Dan has saved his partner and protected him.” Tirico’s commentary highlighted the contrast between the chaos in Hicks and Kisner’s booth and the calm demeanor of their colleagues.

Hicks, for his part, later described the bat’s relentless activity, stating, “I’m telling you Mike … just when you think you’ve seen it all,” as he recounted how the bat performed “20 laps” around the booth before finally exiting. The NBC crew analyzed the incident with amusement, noting the bat’s disruptive “20 laps” around the area before it swooped into their workspace. Tirico praised Hicks for his gallantry, saying, “I must say, Hicks, you are a great partner because you were protecting Kis. If that bat came anywhere, Kis is playing next week. Coming off the top ten last week. We are protecting you at all costs.” The lighthearted exchange underscored the camaraderie among the broadcasters, even as they navigated the unexpected intrusion.

The bat’s appearance wasn’t the only talking point at The Open. The tournament itself was marked by intense competition and challenging conditions. Scottie Scheffler, the world number one, battled torrential downpours to post a stunning seven-under 64, claiming a one-shot lead over England’s Matt Fitzpatrick. Other contenders, including China’s Haotong Li, 2023 champion Brian Harman, Tyrrell Hatton, and Robert MacIntyre, remained in the hunt, setting the stage for a thrilling “moving day” on Saturday. Meanwhile, discussions about slow play dominated off-course conversations, with Jon Rahm’s caddie, Adam Hayes, confronting officials after US Open champion J.J. Spaun received a warning for his deliberate pace. PGA Tour star Viktor Hovland also voiced frustration over rounds stretching to six hours, exacerbated by the uncooperative weather.

The bat incident, however, became a viral moment, with fans on platforms like Facebook sharing clips and memes of Kisner’s retreat under his jacket. The US Sun reported that the scene was particularly resonant given Kisner’s reputation as a “proud hunter,” making his reaction all the more comical. The video, posted by NUCLR GOLF on X, garnered significant attention, with fans marveling at the absurdity of a bat disrupting one of golf’s most prestigious events. “Come on, boys,” one fan commented, encapsulating the playful tone of the online reactions.

Kisner, who juggles his role as NBC’s lead golf analyst with occasional PGA Tour appearances, had recently competed at the ISCO Championship, where he finished tied for eighth, marking his second made cut of the year. His experience as a player added an ironic twist to his discomfort in the booth, as someone accustomed to handling pressure on the course was visibly rattled by the winged intruder. Hicks, a veteran broadcaster, took the incident in stride, his attempts to shoo the bat away providing a humorous contrast to Kisner’s defensive tactics.

The Open Championship, already steeped in tradition and drama, found an unlikely highlight in this chaotic moment. As golf stars like Scheffler, Fitzpatrick, and local favorite Rory McIlroy continued their pursuit of the Claret Jug, the bat invasion offered a lighthearted diversion, reminding fans of the unpredictable charm of live sports. For Hicks and Kisner, it was a moment they won’t soon forget, with Tirico’s commentary ensuring the incident would be immortalized as one of The Open’s most memorable off-course stories. As the tournament progresses, fans will undoubtedly keep sharing this hilarious episode, making it a standout moment in the 2025 Open Championship narrative.