An American golfer has shared a remarkable story of playing through missile explosions and fighter jet activity during a weekend golf trip in the Middle East, before eventually fleeing the region as tensions escalated.
The traveler said he arrived early Friday morning and quickly headed to the golf course for a round. The trip initially appeared to be a relaxing weekend getaway filled with several rounds of golf.
However, the situation dramatically changed the following day.
Explosions Heard During Golf Round
On Saturday morning, the golfer and his group returned to the course around 10:30 a.m. when they suddenly heard multiple loud explosions nearby.
According to the eyewitness, the blasts were followed by surface-to-air missiles flying overhead and exploding in the sky.
Despite the alarming situation, the group continued playing for a short time before discovering evidence of the nearby strike.
When they reached the next hole, they found a smoldering crater in the ground along with shrapnel believed to be from a missile.
Golf course staff quickly approached the players and warned them not to touch the debris because it might still be dangerous. They strongly advised everyone to leave the course immediately.
The golfer recalled joking that he did not want to stop the game because he was ahead in the match.
Nevertheless, the group eventually completed their round of golf despite the tense atmosphere.
Fighter Jets Overhead the Next Day
The following day brought even more signs of military activity. The golfer said fighter jets were flying overhead while missile defenses were launching interceptors into the sky.
Players could hear and see the aircraft but were unable to determine whether they belonged to local forces in United Arab Emirates or another military.
The round took place at the well-known Abu Dhabi National Golf Club, where the sound of jets and missiles created a tense environment for those on the course.
Decision to Leave the Region
After the weekend ended, the traveler decided it was time to leave the region as security concerns continued to grow.
He began searching for flights and learned that airspace in Oman had reopened. He managed to book a flight scheduled for Monday afternoon but first had to travel across the border.
Before departing, the golfer received a phone call from the United States Department of State asking whether he needed assistance.
He explained that he simply needed confirmation that the border crossing was open.
Long Journey to the Airport
The traveler packed his bags late at night and began the long journey to the border, which involved hours of driving and waiting at checkpoints.
After eventually crossing into Oman, he continued to the capital city of Muscat to catch his flight home.
While checking in at the airport, he encountered an unexpected moment when an Iranian woman heard his voice and asked if he was American.
When he confirmed that he was, she reportedly hugged him and expressed gratitude to the United States.
A Surreal Weekend
The golfer safely made it out of the region, describing the experience as one of the most surreal weekends of his life.
What began as a simple golf trip quickly turned into a story involving missile explosions, fighter jets, and a hurried escape across international borders — highlighting how quickly geopolitical tensions can affect civilians and travelers in the region.