“It’s in someone’s pint!” Gareth Bale’s wild golf shot lands on roof of famous St Andrews pub during Dunhill Links

Gareth Bale may have reduced his golf handicap to scratch since retiring from football – but even he can produce the occasional wild one.

The former Tottenham and Real Madrid star sent his tee shot on a dramatic detour during the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews, with the ball ending up on the roof of the famous Jigger Inn.

Playing alongside professional Marcus Armitage, Bale reached the 17th hole during Thursday’s opening round when his drive veered sharply away from the fairway.

The ball flew towards the course-side pub before landing on the roof of a gazebo outside the Jigger Inn.

It then bounced down towards the pub garden, prompting Sky Sports Golf commentator Andrew Coltart to deliver a brilliant reaction.

“It’s on the roof of the Jigger! Oh! It’s in somebody’s pint!” Coltart joked as the ball dropped towards the spectators below.

Thankfully, the ball did not actually land in anyone’s drink, eventually coming to rest on the grass.

Watch what happened here: 

Bale’s wayward effort was particularly amusing given how much progress he has made on the golf course since retiring from football in 2023.

The 37-year-old has worked his handicap down to scratch and has become a regular at high-profile celebrity golf events.

However, Bale has previously admitted that his game can become rather less reliable when competitive pressure is introduced.

“I’m a scratch, but put a bit of pressure on me and I will crumble because I’m not used to it,” he previously said.

There was certainly plenty of pressure – and a fair amount of movement off the tee – on his 17th-hole shot.

Bale and Armitage carded a 68 in their opening round at St Andrews before improving to 66 at Carnoustie.

But the pair face an uphill battle to reach Sunday's final round of the team competition.

Only the top 20 teams qualify for the final round, and with around two hours of play remaining on Saturday, Bale and Armitage are currently outside the top 70.

While Bale's team hopes are fading, Armitage is enjoying an excellent week individually.

The 39-year-old is currently inside the top 10 in the individual DP World Tour event, meaning he still has plenty to play for as the third round unfolds.

Armitage is a one-time DP World Tour winner, with his sole victory coming at the 2021 European Open.

Bale, meanwhile, is among a host of sporting and entertainment stars taking part in this year's event, alongside the likes of former Netherlands star Ruud Gullit, ex-England cricketer Kevin Pietersen and singer Ronan Keating.

The Welshman may be struggling to make Sunday's team finale, but his wayward effort at the Jigger Inn has already provided one of the tournament's more entertaining moments.

And thankfully, nobody had to sacrifice their pint.