New York: Can a bee really help someone win $2 million (around ₹17 crore)? Sounds unbelievable, right? But something exactly like this happened in the U.S., leaving the golfing world stunned. Whether it was pure coincidence or sheer luck, fortune clearly smiled on England’s Tommy Fleetwood.
At the recently held BMW Championship in Maryland, a video of Fleetwood went viral. In the clip, a bee lands on his golf ball — and moments later, Fleetwood goes on to win the tournament, earning the $2 million prize. Social media has since been buzzing (pun intended), crediting the “lucky bee” for his victory.
Fleetwood, a seven-time DP World Tour winner, is set to visit India in October to compete in the DP World India Championship.
The ‘bee miracle’ caught on camera
During the final round at the Caves Valley Golf Club, Fleetwood started seven-under. Towards the end, one of his powerful shots left the ball resting agonisingly close to the hole. Believing he’d missed his chance, Fleetwood could only watch. Then came the twist a bee perched on the stationary ball, and soon after, the ball rolled into the hole. Fleetwood’s shock quickly turned into elation.
As per PGA’s 10-second rule, the putt was deemed valid, making Fleetwood the winner. Though spectators hadn’t noticed in real time, replay footage clearly showed the bee landing on the ball before it dropped. The clip has since gone viral worldwide.
Did the bee really make the ball move?
Fans remain divided. Some insist the bee’s weight nudged the ball, gifting Fleetwood his win. Others are sceptical after all, a bee weighs about one milligram, while a golf ball weighs several grams. Could such a tiny insect really tip it into the hole?
What science says
Physicist Michio Kaku, professor at City College of New York, told local media that while unusual, it isn’t impossible. “Physics has a tipping point principle even a large object can move if it’s on the edge and gets the smallest nudge.” According to him, the bee may have provided just enough to send the ball rolling. Alternatively, vibrations in the ground or a gust of air could also have played a role.
Whatever the reason, the outcome was the same the ball dropped, Fleetwood triumphed, and Lady Luck, in the form of a tiny bee, made him a millionaire.
